Ohio Treasurer Focused On Politics In 1st Year

Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel has emerged this year as one of the most ambitious young politicians in a closely divided battleground state. The Republican has aggressively worked the fundraising and speaking circuit to amass more than $3.8 million this year in his bid to unseat Democratic U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown. At the same time, his weekly calendars at the treasury are almost devoid of appointments besides meetings with staffers and speaking engagements. He hasn't held any news conferences to discuss the work he's doing for Ohioans. Critics say Mandel is afraid to face reporters and answer for his record as treasurer. Mandel says he's worked hard for Ohio taxpayers. He says he's taken steps to secure treasury investments and made sure that his office spends its money wisely.