Montgomery County Democratic Chair Mark Owens joined the call for an investigation after the non-partisan Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington did the same and placed U.S. Rep. Mike Turner (R-Centerville) on its 2008 "Most Corrupt in Congress" list as a "Dishonorable mention."

CREW states that Turner's "ethics issues stem from a no-bid marketing contract that was awarded to his wife from a group that receives federal funding."

This is CREW's fourth annual report and it includes a smattering of both Democrats and Republicans, with 20 House members and four Senators. Democrats have seven on the list, while Republicans have 17.

The CREW Web site says that the list "documents the unethical activities of 24 Members of Congress" and goes on to say that, "Corruption demands accountability and action."

Turner is the only Ohio lawmaker on the list, and the second to make it. The first was former U.S. Rep. Bob Ney. Ney resigned and pleaded guilty to corruption charges arising from the influence-peddling investigation of lobbyist Jack Abramoff in 2006.

Montgomery Democratic chair Owens joined CREW in its call for an investigation.

"This is only the tip of the iceberg," Owens said. "I join CREW in calling for a Congressional investigation into the extent of Turner's corruption and the cost that will be shouldered by the taxpayers as a result of his corruption.  Ohioans deserve accountability from their public officials."

Political activist and advertising executive Jane Mitakides (D-Washington Township), who is challenging Turner for representation of Ohio's 3rd Congressional District, also commented on Turner's making the list.

"I was shocked and disappointed by the revelations in this report," Mitakides said. "Ohio families are facing too many economic hardships already, they don't deserve to foot the bill for the sweetheart deals of yet another corrupt Ohio Republican.  Congressman Turner has some serious explaining to do to the voters of this district."

From the CREW Report on Turner:

"Turner's wife, Lori, is the CEO of Turner Effect, a Dayton-based marketing firm. Turner Effect was awarded a no-bid contract by Dayton Development Coalition in 2006 to develop and market an advertising campaign. ...

Ms. Turner claimed the Dayton Development Coalition contract presented no conflict of interest because her husband has no affiliation with the coalition and the coalition receives no federal earmarks.  FedSpending.org shows, however, that the coalition has received at least $1.2 million in federal funds in fiscal year 2006. ...

Since 2002 staff, members of the board of directors of the Dayton Development Coalition and their families have donated $100,650 to Rep. Turner's campaign committee.

The House Ethics Committee should investigate whether Ms. Turner secured a contract with the Dayton Development Coalition because of her relationship with Rep. Turner and as part of an effort by the coalition to curry favor with Rep. Turner in order to receive federal earmarks.  In addition, by funneling funds to an entity that hired his wife, Rep. Turner may have dispensed special favors in violation of House rules. The Committee should also investigate to determine if Rep. Turner accepted over $100,000 in campaign contributions from the Dayton Development Coalition in return for earmarking federal funds in violation of 5 U.S.C. § 7353 and House Rule 23."

PolitickerOH.com is awaiting response from the Turner campaign.