The Ohio Elections Commission announced today that defeated U.S. Rep. Steve Driehaus, D-Ohio, withdrew his election complaint against the Susan B. Anthony (SBA List) – a national, pro-life advocacy organization that seeks to affect public policy.
Driehaus claimed that SBA List falsely accused him of voting for taxpayer funding of abortion when he cast his vote for President Obama's health care law.
The three-member commission panel said it found probable cause to investigate the charges and scheduled a Dec. 2 hearing. With Driehaus' withdrawal, the case likely will be dismissed.
Marjorie Dannenfelser, president and CEO of SBA List, said that today's announcement is a bittersweet victory.
"Despite his efforts, Rep. Driehaus could not avoid facing the consequences of his health care vote at the ballot box," she said. "On Election Day, Driehaus' constituents sent a clear message by siding with the SBA List and voting him out of office."
Dannenfelser added that they will continue to pursue a federal lawsuit challenging the state's law.
"We remain gravely concerned," she said, "that the statute allowing Rep. Driehaus to launch his complaint … can be used to silence free speech again."
Source: CitizenLink
Publish Date: November 16, 2010
