COLUMBUS, Ohio (Map, News) - Embattled Attorney General Marc Dann is relying on a campaign donor to clean up an office marred by a sexual harassment scandal.

Dann has asked Cleveland lawyer and lobbyist James Friedman to lead a group that will make management and personnel changes. Records show Friedman contributed $500 to Dann's campaign for attorney general in 2006.

Dann spokesman Ted Hart said Saturday that Dann is aware of the contribution but doesn't see a conflict.

Republicans have called for Dann's resignation, something Dann says he won't do.

The Democrat acknowledged Friday that he had an extramarital affair with a subordinate and failed to stop problems that led to the harassment scandal involving some of his top aides. Three of the aides were forced out of their jobs, and another resigned.

Comments from Examiner Readers

11:08 AM MST on Mon., May. 5, 2008 re: "Findings on harassment claims at state office to be released"

Examiner Reader said:
I believe we should watch out for more unusual acts from Dann. His mental capacities seem to be affected. To be as defiant as he is, even with the Governor asking him to step down is disturbing.

Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

9:23 PM MST on Sat., May. 3, 2008 re: "Ohio attorney general wants campaign donor to lead reform"

Examiner Reader said:
Dann's office needs to be investigated for more than just the sexual scandal and mismanagement. A special prosecutor should look into how contracts have been awarded. Look at Dann's contributors and the contracts that have been awarded. He demanded money for his campaign even to be considered for contracts, rules were changed for friends and donors.

1 agree | 0 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

10:42 AM MST on Fri., May. 2, 2008 re: "Findings on harassment claims at state office to be released"

Examiner Reader said:
Dann seems to have his own issues which would prevent him from executing his duties. Democrats deserve better than Dann.

4 agree | 1 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate

10:02 AM MST on Fri., May. 2, 2008 re: "Ohio attorney general had affair with employee"

Examiner Reader said:
Dann needs to resign now, or be terminated. Gov. Srtickland is a good man who will be brought down by this flamer.

2 agree | 0 disagree
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree

Report as inappropriate