Friday, April 24, 2009

The Rise and Fall of Jeff Johnson

Since former state Sen. Jeff Johnson is running for city council, it's a good time to add a vintage Cleveland Magazine story to our online archive. From February 1999:

The Rise and Fall of Jeff Johnson
On Feb. 5, former Ohio Senator Jeffrey Johnson will be sentenced for crimes of extortion. In the aftermath of this incredible political crash-and-burn, we examine his life’s story.

Michael Drexler's profile is the definitive account of Johnson's political accomplishments and the scandal that almost destroyed his career. It also reminds us of some fun trivia: Johnson is an ex-boyfriend of Halle Berry.

To bridge the decade since the profile, check out Ian Hoffman's piece on Johnson from our 35th anniversary issue in December 2007.

Before Johnson's felony conviction, many political observers thought he would succeed Mike White as mayor. A judge's 2007 ruling makes Johnson eligible to run for office again, and Roldo thinks Johnson still has a shot at the job someday.

Update, 4:30 p.m.: Johnson got his law license restored this morning.

(If you'd like to link to our 1999 story, here's a shortened link: tinyurl.com/jeffjohnsonCM)

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