SpringfieldNewsSun.com

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — The campaign of Sharen Neuhardt, Democratic candidate for U.S. 7th District Congressional seat, accused Republican opponent Sen. Steve Austria for engaging in "the most disgusting form of politics" by "cowardly attacking a survivor of the Rwandan genocide for political gain."

Neuhardt's campaign said Austria's camp was "desperate" when it made comments about Neuhardt having allowed a political refugee from Rawanda to live in her home.

The refugee, Ishema Umuhoza, is now 26 and has lived in Neuhardt's home since 2002. His application for political asylum in the U.S. was denied but Neuhardt and her husband, both attorneys, are appealing that denial in federal court.

Umuhoza graduated from University of Dayton in 2005. Neuhardt said he did not know that his political asylum had been denied until he applied for federal grants in his junior year of college.

Neuhardt met Umuhoza through her daughter, Ann, when she brought him home for Christmas in 2002. Neuhardt said her family invited him to stay when they found out he had nowhere to go and "he's been part of their family ever since."

Austria's campaign manager, Brad Mascho, on Wednesday released a statement questioning Neuhardt's judgment on the issue.

"As the facts of this year's long case come to light, there are many concerns about the poor judgment of attorney Sharen Neuhardt," he stated. "It appears she is knowingly willing to ignore the law and court records. As a sworn officer of the court, any allegation that Sharen Neuhardt harbored an illegal immigrant for several years is a serious matter. Questions about attorney Sharen Neuhardt's involvement in his past and the providing of safe harbor to a person with active warrants deserve answers and more thorough scrutiny from the appropriate officials."

Umuhoza lives in the United States legally as he waits for the federal courts to review his petition for political asylum, according to the Neuhardt camp.

"This smear attempt is telling of Steve Austria's true character," said Jessica Kershaw, communications director for Neuhardt's campaign.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0374 or boutten@coxohio.com.