COLUMBUS — Rep. Rex Damschroder (R., Fremont) suffered a heart attack Monday and is expected to undergo triple bypass surgery Wednesday.

Mr. Damschroder, 61, who recently returned to the Ohio House after an eight-year absence, was in stable condition Tuesday at Toledo Hospital, according to House Speaker Bill Batchelder (R., Medina).

“I have been in touch with Rep. Damschroder personally and am pleased that he expects a full recovery,” he said. “Rex is an astoundingly dedicated public servant to the people of northwest Ohio, and our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his wife.”

Mr. Damschroder’s legislative aide, Todd Thatcher, said his boss was in good spirits and resting comfortably.

“He greatly appreciates the well wishes of the people of the 81st House District and looks forward to getting back to work after his recovery period,’’ he said.

The legislator was in the district when he fell ill.

Term limits forced Mr. Damschroder from the General Assembly eight years ago, but voters decided to send him back last November when his replacement, now Seneca County Commissioner Jeff Wagner, ran up against term limits himself.

The 81st District includes Sandusky, southern Ottawa, and western Seneca counties.

First Published March 22, 2011, 8:34 p.m.