Columbus, OH 7/23/08 - Former United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio Mike Crites today announced his candidacy for Ohio Attorney General.
Crites, currently the managing partner of a Columbus law firm, served 21 years as a prosecutor at the local, state and federal levels. He was nominated for U.S. Attorney by Ronald Reagan, confirmed by an overwhelming and bipartisan vote of the U.S. Senate and also served under President George H.W. Bush. He has more experience as a prosecutor than the last seven Ohio Attorneys General combined.
During his tenure as U.S. Attorney, Crites and his staff successfully investigated, prosecuted and dismantled numerous local, national and international drug organizations; seized and obtained the forfeiture of more than $17 million in illegal drug money and assets; and collected more than $125 million owed to the United States. Additionally, he organized and led task forces to address health care fraud, insurance and financial fraud, bankruptcy fraud and environmental compliance.
Crites identifies two important issues as the driving factors for his decision to run for attorney general: restoring the integrity to the office of Attorney General and putting the organization to work for the interests of everyday Ohioans.
"As a prosecutor with 21 years experience, I know how to get to the bottom of a problem," Crites said. "And as a Navy Captain who helped manage thousands of people, I know how to right a ship."
Warren County Prosecutor Rachel Hutzel, who introduced Crites at a statehouse news conference, explained that Crites' experience is invaluable.
"Mike Crites is one of the top lawyers in Ohio," Hutzel said. "No one can beat his experience when it comes to crime fighting and running a large law enforcement agency."
Hardin County Sheriff Craig Leeth, said it's important to have a prosecutor with crime-fighting experience.
"Mike Crites' record fighting violent crime and protecting Ohio families makes him an outstanding choice, Leeth said. "As Ohio's Attorney General, he'll lead that fight statewide."
Crites has handled numerous cases before the Ohio Supreme Court and taught at The Ohio State University's Moritz College of Law. As a former U.S. Attorney and naval officer, Crites has been subject to extensive federal background checks on his personal and professional dealings. Based on the results of those checks, Crites was granted a "top secret" security clearance and had access to some of our nation's most sensitive
intelligence.
A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Crites retired with the rank of Captain, Naval Reserve. He is a highly decorated Vietnam veteran. Among his honors is his induction into the Ohio Veterans' Hall of Fame.
Republican Party leaders said Crites is the consensus choice of the Attorney General screening committee and they expect a quick and unanimous approval by the state committee prior to the August 20 deadline for nomination.
Mike Crites is active in his community, having served on the Olentangy Local School District Board of Education. He and his wife of 33 years Maureen are the proud parents of three daughters. Two of his daughters are graduates of the United States Naval Academy and currently serving as naval officers. Another daughter graduated from The Ohio State University's Moritz College of Law and practices law in Columbus.
For more information visit the website at www.CritesForOhio.com.
-30-
Delicious
Digg
Technorati
