COLUMBUS – Today, Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern issued this statement following the Senate Banking Committee vote on the appointment of Richard Cordray as director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau:

“There is no better advocate for consumers and small businesses than Richard Cordray. A man of his expertise is desperately needed to protect Americans from a return to the Wall Street abuses that brought about the worst recession since the Great Depression. America’s Main Street was devastated by greed on Wall Street, but Richard Cordray went to bat and recovered billions of dollars for middle class families. As director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Rich will do for our country what he did so effectively for Ohioans. President Obama could not have made a better choice to lead this vital agency. I congratulate Rich on his committee approval and commend Senator Sherrod Brown for his diligent work to ensure this result.

“Despite how much Richard Cordray’s leadership is needed at this critical time, Republicans are standing in the way of his nomination and putting our economy at risk. Republican presidential candidates are tripping over themselves to push for the repeal of Wall Street reform and return us to the corporate practices that benefited those at the very top while hurting all other Americans. Senate Republicans have promised to play politics with this nomination because that’s what their friends on Wall Street want them to do. It’s time for Republicans to help grow our economy and stand up for our middle class. I call on Senator Rob Portman and all Republican Senators to stop their charades and support the confirmation of Richard Cordray when it comes to a vote on the Senate floor.”

COLUMBUS – Last evening, the Ohio Democratic Party Executive Committee voted to endorse a “No” vote on State Issues 1, 2, and 3. These issues will appear on the November 8, 2011 ballot.

State Issue 1 extends the age limit for judges from 70 to 75 years of age. This extension would increase the length of service for individuals already entrenched on the bench. Moreover, State Issue 1 is likely to perpetuate a 6-to-1 Republican imbalance on the Ohio Supreme Court and similar imbalances on lower courts. A “No” vote on Issue 1 will promote a fairer judicial system.

State Issue 2 is an unfair and unsafe attack on the middle class. By voting “No” on Issue 2, Ohioans can stop Senate Bill 5. Senate Bill 5 ends most collective bargaining rights for police officers, firefighters, nurses, teachers and other public employees. A “No” vote on Issue 2 will help our public employees better protect our communities and serve our people.

State Issue 3 seeks to overturn parts of the Affordable Care Act, which expands health coverage and reduces health care costs. Among other benefits, the Act stops insurance companies from denying care based on pre-existing conditions and allows young adults to stay on their parents’ health plans until the age of 26. A “No” vote on Issue 3 will help support these vital reforms.

The Ohio Democratic Party strongly urges its supporters to vote “No” on all 3 issues. Yesterday, Early Vote began throughout Ohio.

Monday, Senate Voted Overwhelmingly To Move Forward On Sherrod Brown Bill That Would Help Stop Unfair Chinese Currency Manipulation

New Report Shows U.S. Has Lost 2.8 Million Jobs In Last Decade Due To Unfair Trade Deficit With China, At Least 100,000 In Ohio Alone

COLUMBUS, OHIO – If Josh Mandel cares at all about Ohio’s middle class and working families, he should immediately come out in support of a bill introduced by Senator Sherrod Brown that helps to stop China’s unfair currency manipulation, a practice that according to a new report has contributed to the loss of U.S 2.8 million jobs in the last decade, and more than 100,000 in Ohio alone.  This past Monday the Senate overwhelmingly voted to move forward on the bill with a bipartisan vote of 79-19. The choice to stand with Ohioans to strengthen our economy instead of China’s should be clear. But it might not be for Ohio’s ethically challenged Treasurer.

Sunday, The Hill reported that “The Club for Growth (CFG) has already endorsed Josh Mandel, a Republican and Ohio’s treasurer, in that state’s Senate race. Mandel’s campaign has not revealed the candidate’s stance on the China currency measure.”

In fact, the CFG opposes the crackdown on China’s unfair currency manipulation, and has threatened to add the bill to its Congressional scorecard. CFG also called out Sherrod Brown specifically in its opposition to the bill.

Brown’s bill has bipartisan support and a similar measure easily passed the House of Representatives in 2010. In Ohio alone, Reps. Turner, Austria, Tiberi, and LaTourette all supported the effort to crack down on China’s currency manipulation.

So what will it be Josh, China or Ohio?

“You’re either standing with Ohio’s middle class or you’re standing with China, and Josh Mandel should immediately come out in support of Sherrod Brown’s bill to stop China from unfairly manipulating their currency and destroying Ohio jobs,” said Ohio Democratic Party Press Secretary Justin Barasky. “Working families in Ohio deserve to know whether Josh Mandel believes protecting the interests of China and the Club For Growth is more important than saving Ohio jobs.”

BACKGROUND

EPI: U.S. Has Lost 2.8 Million Jobs In The Last 10 Years Because Of Trade Deficit With China.  In September 2011, the Economic Policy Institute released a report which said that American companies moving operations to China has resulted in 2.8 million jobs lost in the past decade.” [247wallstreet.com via MSNBC, 9/28/11]

EPI Report: Ohio Has Lost Over 100,000 Jobs Due To China And Trade Policies.  In September 2011, the Economic Policy Institute released a report which said that Ohio has lost at least 103,500 jobs due to trade policy with China.  [247wallstreet.com via MSNBC, 9/28/11]

Four Ohio House Republicans Voted For China Currency Manipulation Bill In 2010.  In September 2010, Mike Turner, Steve Austria, Pat Tiberi and Steve LaTourette voted for a similar China currency manipulation bill that passed the House.  [House Vote 554, 9/29/10]

China Currency Bill Would Impose Higher U.S. Duties On Chinese Products To Respond To China Manipulating It’s Currency.  In October 2011, the Associated Press reported “After years of trying, Congress is taking another stab at retaliating against what many see as Chinese manipulation of its currency to make its exports to the United States cheaper and U.S. goods more expensive in China.  The Senate is expected to take up legislation Monday that would impose higher U.S. duties on Chinese products to offset the perceived advantage that critics say China gets by undervaluing its currency.” [Associated Press, 10/2/11]

Bill Would Direct Commerce Department To Treat Undervalued Currency As A Prohibited Export Subsidy.  In August 2011, The Hill reported that the China currency bill would “direct the Commerce Department to treat currency undervaluation as a prohibited export subsidy.”  [The Hill, 8/20/11]

Club For Growth Opposed Senate Bill To Crack Down On China’s Manipulation Of It’s Currency And Threatened That It Would Use Vote In It’s Congressional Scorecard.  In September 2011, Politico reported “The anti-tax, free-market group on Thursday called on GOP presidential contenders to take a stand against the bill, authored by Democratic Sens. Sherrod Brown (Ohio) and Chuck Schumer (N.Y.), that would slap tariffs on imports from China and other countries that artificially keep their currency low…The Club for Growth has urged lawmakers to vote no on the bill, warning that the vote will be included in the group’s 2011 Congressional Scorecard, used to measure how fiscally conservative they are.” [Politico, 9/29/11]

Club For Growth: Mandel Would Be “Pro-Growth Star.”  In June 2011, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that the Club for Growth endorsed Josh Mandel and that Club for Growth President Chris Chocola said “Josh Mandel represents a bright future for Ohio and will be a pro-growth star if elected.” [Cleveland Plain Dealer, 6/28/11]

Mandel’s Website Proclaims Him A “Leader In Energy Policy” Yet He’s Unbelievably Still Not Ready To Say 4,000 Ohio Jobs Good For Ohio

Piketon Project Has Widespread Support From Democrats And Republicans Across State

COLUMBUS, OHIO – In a stunning display of what can only be ignorance or outright hostility to Ohio’s middle class and working families, our ethically-challenged Treasurer Josh Mandel is still refusing to support an effort to bring 4,000 jobs to Ohio, claiming he needs to “learn more about it.” One week ago the Columbus Dispatch reported that Mandel was hesitant to support a plan to launch the American Centrifuge Project in Piketon Ohio, despite the fact that “both Republicans and Democrats in Ohio’s congressional delegation have been largely united in their support.”

“Learn more about it? Shouldn’t a self proclaimed “leader in energy policy” already have an opinion on this? Refer yourself to Josh Mandel’s own website:

“Treasurer Mandel has been a leader in the area of energy policy…”

How does “energy leader” Mandel not already know that this project means up to 4,000 new Ohio jobs? Does “energy leader” Mandel not already know that Pike County has the highest unemployment in the state of Ohio? How can our absentee Treasurer hold statewide office (let alone ask to be elected Senator) while displaying this level of ignorance regarding the importance of this project to Ohio?

Senator Rob Portman calls the American Centrifuge Project in Piketon “critical to the future of the economy in Southern Ohio,” and Speaker John Boehner has echoed that support. The project also enjoys the support of Ohio Congresswoman Jean Schmidt, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, and the Republican controlled Ohio General Assembly. Is it possible that Josh Mandel is so extreme and out of touch that he’s to the right of Rob Portman, John Boehner, and Jean Schmidt on 4,000 new Ohio jobs?

“Josh Mandel’s either against 4,000 jobs coming to Ohio or he’s woefully unprepared to discuss the most important issues in our state and not remotely qualified to advocate for Ohio in the U.S. Senate,” said Ohio Democratic Party Press Secretary Justin Barasky. “The middle class and working families in south central Ohio and across the state deserve to know whether Josh Mandel is against helping to create jobs and grow the economy. Far from being a leader, Josh Mandel hasn’t even figured out how to be a follower.”

BACKGROUND

Portman Called American Centrifuge Project in Piketon “Critical To The Future of the Economy in Southern Ohio” And “Welcomed The News” That The Obama Administration Would Have More Time To Consider USEC Loan Guarantee.  In a June 2011 press release, Sen. Portman’s office said “Today Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, welcomed the news that the Obama Administration will have an additional month to issue a conditional commitment for USEC’s loan guarantee application to build the American Centrifuge Project (ACP) in Piketon, Ohio before there is major job loss.  ‘ACP is critical to the future of the economy in Southern Ohio, and I urge the Obama Administration to quickly approve the loan guarantee before time runs out. The administration should take advantage of this time to move forward with a workable credit subsidy rating and fulfill their campaign promise of supporting the loan guarantee, which would add 4,000 jobs to Southern Ohio,’ said Portman.” [Sen. Portman Press Release, 6/30/11]

Speaker Boehner Urged Obama Administration To Support A Federal Loan Guarantee For Piketon Plant.  In November 2009, the Columbus Dispatch reported “Under the category of keeping the pressure on, House Minority Leader John Boehner last week wrote to President Barack Obama urging him to make good on past promises to support a federal loan guarantee needed to finance a uranium-enrichment plant in Piketon, Ohio.” [Columbus Dispatch, 11/1/09]

Rep Schmidt Pledge To “Do Everything In My Power” To Make Centrifuge Plant A Reality In Piketon.  In a July 2010 press release, Rep. Jean Schmidt said “Today’s announcement of the agreement between the Pike County Commissioners and the United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC) in which USEC has agreed to provide sewer service for the county is great news.  This common sense partnership will benefit everyone and will help spur economic growth in the county.  Everyone involved in the agreement should be proud of the work they did to make this a reality. I fully support this agreement and pledge to continue to do everything in my power to ensure the American Centrifuge Plant at the Piketon site becomes a reality and creates the jobs we need in the region.” [Rep. Schmidt Press Release, 7/15/10]

Ohio Chamber of Commerce: “Proud To Be Actively Pushing” Energy Department To Approve Loan Guarantee For Piketon Project.  In a June 2011 letter, Ohio Chamber of Commerce President Andrew E. Doehrel wrote “In these tough economic times, it is more important than ever that we support companies that are ready to create thousands of good-paying jobs. That is why the Ohio Chamber of Commerce is proud to be actively pushing the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to approve USEC’s application for a federal loan guarantee. The loan would provide federal funding assistance for the Clean Energy Park Demonstration Project in Piketon, Ohio.” [Ohio Chamber of Commerce, 6/3/11]

Ohio General Assembly Passed Resolution To “Urge Job Creation At Piketon Plant.” On June 16 2011, the Ohio House of Representatives passed a resolution already backed by the state Senate that “urges President Barack Obama to direct the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) to grant a loan to USEC Inc. to ensure the continuation of the uranium enrichment project in Piketon.” [Ironton Tribune, 9/28/11]

Pike County Has The Highest Unemployment Of Any County In Ohio.  According to Ohio Labor Market Information, Pike County has the highest unemployment rate of any county in Ohio at 15.1% as of August 2011. [Ohio Labor Market Information, August 2011]

As Birthday Celebration Comes To A Close, Busy Few Days Shape Up For Ethically Challenged Treasurer

COLUMBUS, OHIO – Josh Mandel’s birthday has come and gone, and now Ohio’s ethically challenged Treasurer has a busy weekend ahead of ignoring his job, and weathering his numerous ethical and legal violations. In the Ohio Democratic Party’s never-ending effort to help our Josh Mandel be a “darn-good Treasurer,” we’ve put together a helpful to-do list.

1.    Think of new excuse for refusing to disclose personal finances.

More than four months late, Josh Mandel is still arrogantly violating the law with his refusal to file his Personal Financial Disclosure report. Josh remains the only major candidate for Senate in the entire country not to disclose his finances, prompting the Akron Beacon Journal to pose the question: “What is Mandel thinking?”

2.    “Learn more about” why 4,000 new Ohio jobs is a good thing.

In a stunning display of what can only be ignorance or outright hostility to Ohio’s middle class and working families, Josh Mandel is refusing to support an effort to bring 4,000 jobs to Ohio, claiming he needs to “learn more about it.” Tuesday’s Columbus Dispatch reported that Mandel was hesitant to support a plan to launch the American Centrifuge Project in Piketon Ohio, despite the fact that “both Republicans and Democrats in Ohio’s congressional delegation have been largely united in their support.”

3.    Pore over latest poll numbers, book massage to relieve stress.

Cleveland Plain Dealer - Sherrod Brown Still holds Lead Over Potential Opponents

National Journal - “Over in the Senate race, there is reason for Democratic optimism.

4.    Tell Kevin Coughlin to shut it.

In a recent appearance on ONN’s Capitol Square, GOP primary candidate Kevin Coughlin practically admitted that taking on Sherrod Brown would be a losing effort:

At the same time as you look at the polling that has been done on the Senate race next year, the potential Senate races, and Senator Brown’s standing, he’s surprisingly running pretty strong right now. I don’t think I’ve seen him in a poll where he’s below 47 percent. So despite all that anger toward Washington, you know it’s going to be a hard road for any Republican candidate.

WATCH HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1UQ-NAGsDI

Better get to work, Josh.

Piketon Project Has Widespread Support From Democrats And Republicans Across State

COLUMBUS, OHIO – In a stunning display of what can only be ignorance or outright hostility to Ohio’s middle class and working families, our ethically-challenged Treasurer Josh Mandel is refusing to support an effort to bring 4,000 jobs to Ohio, claiming he needs to “learn more about it.” Yesterday’s Columbus Dispatch reported that Mandel was hesitant to support a plan to launch the American Centrifuge Project in Piketon Ohio, despite the fact that “both Republicans and Democrats in Ohio’s congressional delegation have been largely united in their support.”

“Learn more about it? Does Josh Mandel not already know that this project means up to 4,000 new Ohio jobs? Does Josh Mandel not already know that Pike County has the highest unemployment in the state of Ohio? How can our absentee Treasurer hold statewide office (let alone ask to be elected Senator) while displaying this level of ignorance regarding the importance of this project to Ohio?

Senator Rob Portman calls the American Centrifuge Project in Piketon “critical to the future of the economy in Southern Ohio,” and Speaker John Boehner has echoed that support. The project also enjoys the support of Ohio Congresswoman Jean Schmidt, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, and the Republican controlled Ohio General Assembly. Is it possible that Josh Mandel is so extreme and out of touch that he’s to the right of Rob Portman, John Boehner, and Jean Schmidt on 4,000 new Ohio jobs?

“Josh Mandel’s either against 4,000 jobs coming to Ohio or he’s woefully unprepared to discuss the most important issues in our state and not remotely qualified to advocate for Ohio in the U.S. Senate,” said Ohio Democratic Party Press Secretary Justin Barasky. “The middle class and working families in south central Ohio and across the state deserve to know whether our absentee Treasurer’s against helping to create jobs and grow the economy or stunningly ignorant of the challenges Ohio faces.”

BACKGROUND

Portman Called American Centrifuge Project in Piketon “Critical To The Future of the Economy in Southern Ohio” And “Welcomed The News” That The Obama Administration Would Have More Time To Consider USEC Loan Guarantee.  In a June 2011 press release, Sen. Portman’s office said “Today Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio), a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, welcomed the news that the Obama Administration will have an additional month to issue a conditional commitment for USEC’s loan guarantee application to build the American Centrifuge Project (ACP) in Piketon, Ohio before there is major job loss.  ‘ACP is critical to the future of the economy in Southern Ohio, and I urge the Obama Administration to quickly approve the loan guarantee before time runs out. The administration should take advantage of this time to move forward with a workable credit subsidy rating and fulfill their campaign promise of supporting the loan guarantee, which would add 4,000 jobs to Southern Ohio,’ said Portman.” [Sen. Portman Press Release, 6/30/11]

Speaker Boehner Urged Obama Administration To Support A Federal Loan Guarantee For Piketon Plant.  In November 2009, the Columbus Dispatch reported “Under the category of keeping the pressure on, House Minority Leader John Boehner last week wrote to President Barack Obama urging him to make good on past promises to support a federal loan guarantee needed to finance a uranium-enrichment plant in Piketon, Ohio.” [Columbus Dispatch, 11/1/09]

Rep Schmidt Pledge To “Do Everything In My Power” To Make Centrifuge Plant A Reality In Piketon.  In a July 2010 press release, Rep. Jean Schmidt said “Today’s announcement of the agreement between the Pike County Commissioners and the United States Enrichment Corporation (USEC) in which USEC has agreed to provide sewer service for the county is great news.  This common sense partnership will benefit everyone and will help spur economic growth in the county.  Everyone involved in the agreement should be proud of the work they did to make this a reality. I fully support this agreement and pledge to continue to do everything in my power to ensure the American Centrifuge Plant at the Piketon site becomes a reality and creates the jobs we need in the region.” [Rep. Schmidt Press Release, 7/15/10]

Ohio Chamber of Commerce: “Proud To Be Actively Pushing” Energy Department To Approve Loan Guarantee For Piketon Project.  In a June 2011 letter, Ohio Chamber of Commerce President Andrew E. Doehrel wrote “In these tough economic times, it is more important than ever that we support companies that are ready to create thousands of good-paying jobs. That is why the Ohio Chamber of Commerce is proud to be actively pushing the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to approve USEC's application for a federal loan guarantee. The loan would provide federal funding assistance for the Clean Energy Park Demonstration Project in Piketon, Ohio.” [Ohio Chamber of Commerce, 6/3/11]

Ohio General Assembly Passed Resolution To “Urge Job Creation At Piketon Plant.” On June 16 2011, the Ohio House of Representatives passed a resolution already backed by the state Senate that “urges President Barack Obama to direct the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) to grant a loan to USEC Inc. to ensure the continuation of the uranium enrichment project in Piketon.” [Ironton Tribune, 9/28/11]

Pike County Has The Highest Unemployment Of Any County In Ohio.  According to Ohio Labor Market Information, Pike County has the highest unemployment rate of any county in Ohio at 15.1% as of August 2011. [Ohio Labor Market Information, August 2011]

Celebration Held Despite Fact That Ethically Challenged Treasurer Still Refusing To File Personal Financial Disclosure Report

COLUMBUS, OHIO – Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern held a Birthday Party for Ohio’s ethically challenged Treasurer this morning in the Ladies’ Gallery at the Ohio Statehouse. In case you weren’t able to attend (this means you Josh), here’s a few pictures.

CAKE: For more than 4 months Josh Mandel has refused to file his Personal Financial Disclosure Report.

No birthday is complete without presents. Guess what’s inside the bag? (Hint: It’s a blank Personal Financial Disclosure report which Josh Mandel has refused to file)

Unfortunately when we tried to deliver Josh Mandel’s cake and gift to him, he wasn’t anywhere to be found. (Must have been out fundraising)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSH! (File your PFD)

BACKGROUND

Mandel Filed With FEC On April 6, 2011.  According to the FEC, Josh Mandel filed paperwork for his Senate campaign with the FEC on April 6th, 2011.  [FEC, 4/6/11]

Candidates Must File Within 30 Days Of Candidacy Or By May 15th, Whichever Is Later.  According to the instructions for the Personal Financial Disclosure Reports, reports must be filed "Within 30 days after becoming a candidate for nomination or election to the office of Member of the United States Senate, or by May 15 of that calendar year, whichever is later, but at least 30 days before the election, and on or before May 15 of each succeeding year an individual continues to be a candidate." [Senate PFD Instructions, Accessed 6/15/11]

Candidate Is Anyone Who Has Raised or Spent $5,000.  According to the instructions for the Personal Financial Disclosure Reports, a candidate "is an individual: who seeks nomination for election, or election, to Federal office; and has received contributions aggregating in excess of $5,000, or has made expenditures aggregating in excess of $5,000; or the individual has given his or her consent to another to receive contributions or make expenditures on his or her behalf aggregating in excess of $5,000." [Senate PFD Instructions, Accessed 6/15/11]

If Candidates File Over 30 Days Late Candidate Must Include $200 Penalty.  According to the instructions for the Personal Financial Disclosure Reports "Any individual who is required to file this report and does so more than 30 days after the date the report is required to be filed, or, if an extension is granted, more than 30 days after the last day of the filing extension period shall be subject to a $200 penalty (fine). Such penalty must accompany the disclosure report when filed with the Secretary of the Senate and must be made payable for deposit in the U.S. Treasury." [Senate PFD Instructions, Accessed 6/15/11]

Following Presser, Cake And Gifts Will Be Delivered To Mandel’s Treasurer’s Office (Yes, He’s Still The Treasurer)

COLUMBUS, OHIO – Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern will be at the Ladies Gallery in the Ohio Statehouse TOMORROW in downtown Columbus to wish our ethically challenged Treasurer Josh Mandel a very Happy Birthday!

Following Chairman Redfern’s remarks, a birthday cake and gift will be delivered to Josh Mandel’s office on behalf of the Ohio Democratic Party.

Josh Mandel is welcome to attend, though we expect he’s busy figuring out how to fill out his Personal Financial Disclosure.

WHO:             ODP Chairman Chris Redfern

WHAT:          Birthday wishes for Josh Mandel & delivery of cake/gifts

WHEN:           TODAY Tuesday, September 27, 2011, at 9:30 a.m.

WHERE:       Ladies’ Gallery, Ohio Statehouse

1 Capitol Square

Columbus, Ohio 43215

Ethically Challenged Treasurer Holding Fundraiser Just 2 Minutes From Location That PFD Must Be Filed

Regardless Of Excuse, Mandel Has Been Violating The Law For More Than Four Months

COLUMBUS, OHIO – Ohio’s ethically-challenged Treasurer Josh Mandel is once again in D.C. today to raise money for his Senate campaign and ignore the job he promised voters he would do. With Josh Mandel’s 10 AM fundraiser just minutes from the Senate Office Of Public Records where by law he was required turn in his Personal Financial Disclosure Report more than four months ago, we thought it would be helpful to draw him a map.

The Akron Beacon Journal recently called on Mandel to finally comply with the law, and speculation as to Mandel’s excuse for refusing has been rampant, but the fact is Josh Mandel has been violating the law for more than four months now. It’s time to do what every other major Senate candidate in the country has already done. File the form.

(330 Maryland Ave NE to 220 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510)

Personal Financial Disclosure Reports for candidates are due within 30 days of becoming a candidate or by May 15^th, whichever date is later.  Mandel filed his campaign committee on April 6th, 2011 with the FEC, and as a result his PFD report was due May 15th, 2011.

“For more than 120 days Josh Mandel has refused to disclose his personal finances and no matter the excuse, the lack of transparency Ohioans are seeing from our absentee Treasurer is unacceptable,” said Ohio Democratic Party Press Secretary Justin Barasky. “Today Josh Mandel is once again fundraising in D.C. and ignoring the job Ohio voters trusted him to do, and we urge him to finally comply with the law and file his Personal Financial Disclosure Report.”

BACKGROUND

Mandel Filed With FEC On April 6, 2011.  According to the FEC, Josh Mandel filed paperwork for his Senate campaign with the FEC on April 6th, 2011.  [FEC, 4/6/11]

Candidates Must File Within 30 Days Of Candidacy Or By May 15th, Whichever Is Later.  According to the instructions for the Personal Financial Disclosure Reports, reports must be filed “Within 30 days after becoming a candidate for nomination or election to the office of Member of the United States Senate, or by May 15 of that calendar year, whichever is later, but at least 30 days before the election, and on or before May 15 of each succeeding year an individual continues to be a candidate.” [Senate PFD Instructions, Accessed 6/15/11]

Candidate Is Anyone Who Has Raised or Spent $5,000.  According to the instructions for the Personal Financial Disclosure Reports, a candidate “is an individual: who seeks nomination for election, or election, to Federal office; and has received contributions aggregating in excess of $5,000, or has made expenditures aggregating in excess of $5,000; or the individual has given his or her consent to another to receive contributions or make expenditures on his or her behalf aggregating in excess of $5,000.” [Senate PFD Instructions, Accessed 6/15/11]

If Candidates File Over 30 Days Late Candidate Must Include $200 Penalty.  According to the instructions for the Personal Financial Disclosure Reports “Any individual who is required to file this report and does so more than 30 days after the date the report is required to be filed, or, if an extension is granted, more than 30 days after the last day of the filing extension period shall be subject to a $200 penalty (fine). Such penalty must accompany the disclosure report when filed with the Secretary of the Senate and must be made payable for deposit in the U.S. Treasury.” [Senate PFD Instructions, Accessed 6/15/11]