We Believe Ohio, an interfaith group of religious leaders, told Ohio media and the nation yesterday that political campaign tactics are a moral issue, that distortion, character assassination and cynical polarization are inconsistent with the teachings of their faiths. Several members spoke of the command not to bear false witness, as negative campaigns essentially do, but the message was ultimately hopeful.

"Some will say that we are looking for a miracle," said Cantor Jack Chomsky of Congregation Tifereth Israel in Columbus. "Who would work for miracles if not us? We embrace the idea that miracles happen every day."

Work for miracles, not wish for them. Leaders of We Believe Ohio will monitor campaign speech and advertising and speak out as necessary against tactics that violate the group's stated principles. As a group of faith leaders, We Believe brings a moral authority that watchdog groups lack. Hopefully the weight of their voice will encourage candidates and parties to embrace the values they espouse, run campaigns worthy of a democracy, and keep the shadow groups on a leash. We watch and wait hopefully.