Phillips expects OEC ruling on election complaint to be made by end of year

Athens City Councilwoman Debbie Phillips (D-Athens) says she expects the Ohio Election Commission to make a ruling before the end of the year on a complaint she filed against the Meigs County Republican Party. 

Phillips' race was one of several viewed as competitive for Ohio Democrats looking to take back control of the Ohio House of Representatives. Ohio Democrats have secured a slim majority in the state House, but the race for the 92nd District is still up in the air.

Phillips ran against Athens County Auditor Jill Thompson (R-Athens), and is currently leading in the race. However, the race will not be settled until 2,000 provisional ballots cast in Athens County are counted officially later this month. 

Athens County is home of Ohio University and Phillips claimed victory Nov. 5, saying she expects her lead to widen as provisional ballots from the county are counted.

Phillips had filed a complaint with the Ohio Elections Commission alleging that an advertisement from the GOP that was purchased in the Daily Sentinel contained false information. On Nov. 3, Elections Commissions members determined the complaint filed Oct. 30 against Meigs County Republicans, the chairman David Warner, and the treasurer Marjorie Fetty, was reasonable and warranted further inquiry. 

The Sentinel said the ad was removed when the OEC panel made its preliminary ruling in Phillips' favor.

Phillips takes issue with statements in the ad saying she opposes the American Municipal Power-Ohio plant proposed for Meigs County. Phillips says the allegation she aligned with an opposition group against the construction of U.S.33 is also false. Phillips ended up losing Meigs County, as well as Morgan and Washington, which have portions in the district. Phillips won handily in the University areas. 

Phillips campaign manager Rob Dorans told the Sentinel that Phillips plans to pursue the matter to full conclusion.

The OEC has issued a letter asserting the matter will go to a hearing before the full commission. A date has not yet been set by the OEC for the hearing.