Prominent attorney Stan Chesley likes to paint himself as a Democrat, but critics say his real affiliation is trying to achieve and keep power.
How else can one explain that Chesley is again holding a fundraiser for Congresswoman Jean Schmidt (R-Miami Township), the conservative lawmaker who was one of President Bush’s most loyal supporters?—-
Chesley is hosting a brunch for Schmidt this Sunday at his Indian Hill mansion, with a suggested donation of $500 per couple.
Also on the host committee is another alleged Democrat, lobbyist Dick Weiland.
Others on the committee include several local Republicans including Hamilton County Prosecutor Joe Deters, who moonlights at Chesley’s law firm; County GOP Chairman Alex Triantafilou; County Engineer Bill Brayshaw; Cintas executive Robert Kohlhepp; and Sharonville Mayor Virgil Lovitt.
Schmidt’s legislative record includes introducing resolutions calling for restrictions on the government’s use of eminent domain, banning human cloning and forbidding federal courts from hearing cases that challenge the Pledge of Allegiance’s constitutionality.
Chesley, who's made millions of dollars from tort lawsuits, is known as a personal friend of President Bill Clinton. In fact, Clinton appointed his wife, Susan Dlott, to the federal judiciary.
But Chesley also has courted GOP politicians in recent years. He held a fundraiser for Schmidt last year, and also held events for ex-County Commissioner Phil Heimlich and others.
Chesley and Deters recently made headlines for a case they lost in May.
After a trial that lasted for more than three months, a jury deliberated for two days before deciding that two companies had no liability for injuries suffered by Patrick B. McCarthy, a man represented by Chesley and Deters.
McCarthy was suing Texana Tank Car & Manufacturing Inc. and Sterling Chemicals Inc. for $62 million in compensatory damages for medical expenses and loss of wages, which meant a jury potentially could’ve awarded him up to $186 million in punitive damages.
McCarthy was severely injured when a pressurized lid to a tanker containing chemicals burst free and struck him in the face, breaking several bones and causing a brain injury. As a result, he requires extensive medical care and can no longer financially support his wife and two young children.
