Montgomery for auditor

Various statewide polls have consistently shown Betty Montgomery, the Republican attorney general who hopes to become the next state auditor, as the leading votegetter. There are two possible explanations for this: first, like us, the people of Ohio have been impressed with her performance as the state's chief lawyer over the past seven years and 10 months; second, her opponent in the race, Democrat Helen Knipe Smith, hasn't been campaigning actively -- at least not in this region.
Smith did not respond to our invitation for a meeting with the editorial board and thus cannot be considered for our endorsement.
But even if she had made an appearance, she would have had to present an extremely strong case for why she, and not Montgomery, should be state auditor. Montgomery has performed her duties as attorney general admirably and with enthusiasm. She has implemented several new programs that have aided in the state's fight against crime and corruption.
We believe that she will continue to serve the people of Ohio well as auditor.