The article:
Who says truth and politics don't mix?
By Robert Higgs
Published on Wednesday, August 25th, 2010 at 11:30 a.m.
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We've published more than 6,000 Truth-O-Meter fact-checks since we launched five years ago.
The old joke goes something like this: How can you tell when a politician is lying?
Answer: His lips are moving.
One month ago we launched PolitiFact Ohio with the goal of helping readers sort out the truth in politics. What we found along the way is that there often is a kernel of truth in much of what Ohio's politicians say.
No joking.
In our first month, nearly half of the 34 statements we fact checked were rated either True or Mostly True on the Truth-O-Meter. Conversely, only seven were deemed False or so ridiculous to be scorched as Pants On Fire.
Here's a sampling from the last month of some statements that rang true ...
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Rep. Dennis Kucinich: "The War in Afghanistan is officially the longest war Americans have ever been asked to endure."
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State Sen. Bob Gibbs: "In the 18th Congressional District, 100% of electric generation comes from coal."
... and others that just went clang.
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Congressional candidate Bill O'Neill: "In recent years, Rep. LaTourette has sponsored legislation that would increase spending by 551.6 percent."
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State Rep. Courtney Combs: "Phoenix, Ariz., is the No. 2 kidnapping capital of the world."
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