Dann
COLUMBUS, Ohio - The state's Republican Party and Ohio Christian Alliance are requesting an apology from Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann for a comment he made in an e-mail on Good Friday.
After a story in Sunday's Dayton Daily News revealed the e-mail, the two sides wrote Dann, who they say compared a bad day with the press to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
"We are outraged that you, the Attorney General of the State of Ohio, would make a bigoted, disparaging remark in reference to Jesus Christ in an official communique..."wrote Chris Long, President of the OCA.
"My fellow citizens and I are shocked and appalled that you, as an elected official, would make such a remark in regard to Jesus Christ, our Saviour and the leader of the Christian faith on one of the most holy days of the Christian calendar. That such an intolerant comment would be made by Ohio's Attorney General, whose duty it is to defend the rights of all Ohioans, only adds to our distress."
Dann's e-mail was sent to his communications director, Leo Jennings III. According to the Dayton Daily News, Jennings wrote that there were six "nasty" posts in the Youngstown Vindicator about Dann. Dann replied with, "Jesus had it better on Good Friday."
"If comedians and talk show hosts can be fired and publicly scorned for a single racist remark, Marc Dann should be held no less accountable," Ohio GOP Deputy Chairman Kevin DeWine said in the report.
The Dayton Daily News had requested the releasing of thousands of e-mails in June. Approximately 4,300 were recently released.
Dann's office replied that he "doesn't have any time for Kevin DeWine."