Lumpkin to head Job and Family Services

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland has named a replacement for the embattled social services director who authorized a state records check on the man known as “Joe the Plumber” during the presidential campaign.

Strickland on Friday appointed Douglas E. Lumpkin to replace Helen Jones-Kelley, who resigned as director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services on Wednesday after being put on 30 days of unpaid leave.

An investigation by Ohio’s inspector general found that Jones-Kelley improperly used state computers to find personal information on Samuel Wurzelbacher and conducted improper political fundraising activity for president-elect Barack Obama.

Lumpkin, who currently directs the Franklin County Job and Family Services Agency, will assume the post Jan. 12.

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