COLUMBUS -- Current and former lawmakers, businessmen, and others have thrown their hats into the ring to replace Sen. Karen Gillmor (R., Tiffin), who is resigning.
A replacement will be named July 13 when lawmakers return to Columbus to confirm Ms. Gillmor's appointment to the Ohio Industrial Commission, accept her Senate resignation, and name the person who will complete the nearly 18 months left in her four-year term. Applications were due Friday.
Two of the three state representatives whose districts make up the north-central 26th District are vying for the job.
The exception is Rep. Rex Damschroder (R., Fremont), who recently returned to Columbus after undergoing heart surgery.
"I have been encouraged by my constituents and colleagues to seek the 26th Senate District seat, and I am humbled to be considered for this appointment," he said. "The great constituents of the 81st House District elected me to serve as their state representative, and that is the job I intend to continue doing."
The contenders are:
Rep. David Burke (R., Marysville), a pharmacist and former Marysville city councilman.
Rep. Jeffrey McClain (R., Upper Sandusky), a former Wyandot County auditor.
Steve Reinhard, of Bucyrus, Mr. McClain's House predecessor.
David Little of Marion, president of Ohio American Water Co.
James Ehrman, a Fostoria insurance agent.
Alan Endicott, of Marion, president of DeNovo Policy.
William Reineke, Jr., president of Tiffin Ford-Lincoln Inc.
Robert Voska of Green Springs, who's self-employed.
Chase Fletcher, a student at Bowling Green State University.
Stanley Jackson of Marion.
Seneca County Commissioner Jeff Wagner, also a former state representative, had expressed interest but did not apply.
The candidates will be interviewed by a screening committee, which will then make its recommendation to the full Senate GOP caucus.
The district includes southern Ottawa County, western Seneca, and all of Sandusky, Logan, Union, Marion, Crawford, and Wyandot counties.
First Published July 2, 2011, 5:44 p.m.
