Steve Kraus pens new book attacking 'corruption' in politics

SANDUSKY — Steve Kraus' career as an elected Republican lawmaker was brief but not dull.And now you can read all about it in Kraus' new book, "Checkmate: One Man's Fight Against Political Corruption," with a paperback now available on Amazon for $19.99. Other editions will be out soon and Kraus has scheduled local events for buying the book and getting it signed."I truly believe God has been using me to expose corruption in Erie County politics," Kraus writes in the book.His book, vetted by two lawyers, discusses Kraus' forays into politics, the felony conviction that removed him from office and his lingering resentments against many politicians and against officials in the Erie County Republican Party.Kraus gave the Sandusky Register a sneak peak of his book, which chronicles his 2014 win against Democrat Chris Redfern in a race for the Ohio House. Kraus writes he wanted to run for Congress but God insisted he run for the Ohio House instead. His stunning upset win was followed by a 2015 felony conviction for theft, which forced him out of office.Kraus contends his prosecution was a political conspiracy with trumped-up charges involving Redfern and former Ottawa County Prosecutor Mark Mulligan and insists that he did nothing wrong. His book, a fast and gossipy read, gives Kraus' side of the story and includes documents and a chronology of events."My story is not unique. My story is what goes on almost on a daily basis in the judicial system," contends Kraus, currently a Republican candidate for Congress in the Ninth U.S. House district.Kraus battled Democrats in his Ohio House race but his book saves many barbs for Republicans.He writes that he got his "first taste of Ohio Sewer Politics" when he ran for Congress in 2012. Republican officials had picked Joseph "Joe the Plumber" Wurzelbacher, then enjoying a brief burst of fame, as the GOP hopeful, and Kraus' race angered the party establishment, Kraus writes.He also claims he was targeted in his Ohio House race not just by Redfern but by fellow Republicans and claims that his county Republican Party included Mulligan in the party's email list."I believed the Erie County Republican Party was compromised and infiltrated by the Democratic Party a long time ago. In fact, I like to call them DNRs, for Do-Nothing- Republicans, or Democrats-Not-Republicans. In my opinion, the leadership of the Erie County Republican Party acts like the right-wing of the Democratic party," Kraus writes.Kraus said this week he stands by that opinion. "Every word is exactly what I think," he said.Erie County commissioner Matt Old, former chairman of the Erie County Republican Party, and Sandusky attorney C.J. Kamm, the current chairman, told the Register that Kraus' claims are absurd.Kamm said Erie County now has a Republican auditor, Old won his race for county commissioner in 2016 and the local party is growing in fund raising and support."I'll put that record against any of his statements any day," Kamm said. "I've been a Republican since before I was able to vote."Old pointed to his victory and wins by county auditor Rick Jeffrey, state Rep. Steve Arndt, R-Port Clinton, and state Sen. Randy Gardner, R-Bowling Green."I think it's ridiculous to assert that we've been infiltrated by Democrats," Old said.Kraus also writes that Old and Kamm recruited him for the Ohio House race with promises he'd get plenty of money and support. In fact, the campaign got little official help, Kraus writes.Old said Kraus didn't meet state party requirements for getting state support."I've been doing this a long time. I've never promised candidates money or support, except in the case where they work hard and meet their benchmarks," Old said."He won. I think that means he got a lot of support from Republicans," Kamm responds. "The state party is separate."Old and Kamm both said they probably won't read Kraus' book.Redfern, Mulligan, Sandusky County Prosecutor Tim Braun, Sandusky school board member Jeff Krabill and politicians including Gov. John Kasich and state Sen. Randy Gardner, R-Bowling Green, and various officials in Ohio's judicial system also should skip the book if they were hoping for praise.Other local residents may enjoy the book more. Kraus has warm words for Matt Westerhold, the managing editor of the Sandusky Register, for being willing to take on local corruption, and David Prudhomme, founder and director of Mederi Wellness in Port Clinton, for helping Kraus overcome a bout of depression. He refers to Carolyn Adams, chairman of the Ottawa County Republican Party, as a friend. Ottawa County Common Pleas judge Bruce Winters is treated sympathetically, and other friends who stood by him are mentioned. Kraus said he had two attorneys go over the book, including one who went over it carefully.While America is a country where "somebody can sue you at any time," Kraus said he and his attorneys are confident they can withstand any legal threats.The book is heavily documented, Kraus said."Truth is my defense," he said.Kraus will appear on the Register's public affairs show, "Between the Lines Live," at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20.Meet the AuthorWHAT: Book signings for "Checkmate" by Steve Kraus.CONFIRMED DATES: Oglesby & Oglesby law firm, 618 W Washington St., Sandusky, 3-5 p.m. March 4; Liberty Aviation Museum, 3515 E State Rd, Port Clinton, Noon to 2 p.m., March 9; Baci Bar, Comfort Inn, 5909 Milan Rd, Sandusky,Noon to 2 p.m., March 10th. Other dates to be announced.Steve Kraus Steve Kraus listens to the judge's instructions to the seated jury before the start of his trial at the Ottawa County Courthouse.