When it comes to its efforts to prevent unintended pregnancies, Ohio leaves a lot to be desired, according to a national study released on Tuesday.

The state earned a ranking of 48th for its attempts to improve access to birth-control products and education, according to findings by the Guttmacher Institute.

On the floor, Ohio's newest representative, Republican Jean Schmidt of Cincinnati, delivered a deplorable assault on Murtha relaying, as she said, a message from a Marine colonel ``that cowards cut and run; Marines never do.''

Schmidt would have done well to check Murtha's credibility and experience before she delivered the insult. Murtha retired from the Marine Corps Reserves after a 37-year career. A decorated veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars, his is one of the most valued voices in Washington on national security and military issues, his knowledge and insight highly respected by legislators and presidents.

Toledo coin dealer accused of laundering more than $45,000 in illegal contributions to Bush campaign