Plunderbund

…and that’s just the good news.

The bad news? He did do some work for them and I’ve been hearing about it from just about everybody that heard it and knew I started PO with Rothenberg back in 2006. Countless emails and IMs that basically all start “dude, wtf?”.

So here’s the truth of the matter, which neither Naugle or Russo had right.

Leo Jennings was paid in some capacity to do some work but was definitely NOT “hired” by PO. He was never in an employee relationship with PO. It’s still one of the dumbest things I’ve heard all year. Hands down. When you combine this with the fact that Progress Ohio completely missed the boat in going after Dann for obvious corruption and malfeasance while in office (even after every single elected person in Ohio – including Dems offered you cover), AND the fact that Dann and his buddies have ties to someone involved in the launch and continued operation of Progress Ohio the whole thing stinks to high heaven.

Political amateurs make these types of plays. Rothenberg and Rusnak should know better. You don’t bang the drum of corruption and right-wing wrongdoing and get away with this kind of stuff. I’m smart enough to see that and I’m not even a “political professional”, much less a communications guy.

So Matt heard partially right and Tim played it partially right in his post. The truth is Leo did a very small amount of work for them – I’m hearing stories ranging from “consulting” to “editing”. That the guy got within a phone call or 200 yards of the place is amazing to me. Stupid, really.

I don’t have time to share my thoughts fully on the state of Progress Ohio since I left. Suffice to say I’ve been relatively disappointed.