Thomas D. Ganley (December 11, 1942 – August 24, 2016) was an American businessman and politician who was an unsuccessful Republican congressional candidate.
[3] Ganley began selling motor vehicles as a part-time job while still a student at Chanel High School in Bedford, Ohio.
Under his leadership, the company continued to grow to include Chevrolet, Ford, and Chrysler as well as imports such as Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Honda and BMW.
[citation needed] Ganley formally announced his candidacy for the United States Senate (Ohio) on July 1, 2009.
In making his announcement Ganley stated "I am a businessman, not someone who ever thought about being a professional politician, but maybe that's what's needed in Washington now–someone who understands financial responsibility and what it takes for a business and a country to be competitive.
"[11] Ganley had talked openly earlier that year of his desire to enter the race for the United States Senate in order to give Ohio voters a clear choice.
[14] After ending his race for the US Senate and instead devoted his energy to running for the US House of Representatives, in the 13th District of Ohio against incumbent Democrat Betty Sutton.
Ganley filed a petition with the Summit County elections board to run for the House seat, immediately making the contest a toss-up.
According to the NRCC "Ganley has proven his ability to build a winning campaign and achieve substantial fundraising goals."
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee launched attacks against Ganley, accusing him of being a dishonest car salesman[9] attempting to buy his way into Congress.
Ganley was provided money by the FBI to pay off the mob, and had his phone tapped, and cameras and recording equipment installed in his offices.
[22] The FBI provided Ganley with an armored, bullet and bomb proof car, and moved agents into his home for his protection.
"[24] On September 30, 2010, a 39-year-old Cleveland woman filed a lawsuit against Ganley in civil court, accusing him of sexual assault and attempted rape.
[25] The lawsuit alleges that Ganley propositioned and groped the woman, whom he met at a Tea Party rally, when she approached him about volunteering for his campaign.
[26] She later amended the complaint to include employment discrimination, based on her claim that Ganley wouldn't give her a job because she refused his sexual advances.
[33] Ganley was named "Man of the Year" by the Cuyahoga County Police Chiefs Association for his leadership and outstanding support of law enforcement in the Cleveland area.