Rep. Jon Husted likely next Ohio House Speaker

Husted’s rival as speaker drops out
Dayton Daily News
October 2, 2003

COLUMBUS | State Rep. Jon Husted's chief rival in the bid to be the next House Speaker backed out of the race and threw his support behind Husted, increasing the likelihood that the next House speaker and Senate president could both be from the Dayton area.

"I am no longer a candidate for speaker and I will be supporting Jon," said state Rep. Chuck Blasdel, R-East Liverpool. "It appears very clear to me that Jon has the votes. And since he has the votes it is important for us to unify as a caucus as we go into an election cycle."

At this point, no one else is running for the job, both Blasdel and Husted said.

The speaker, Senate president and governor are considered the Statehouse's "Big Three," powerful politicians who are able to shape legislation and policy and have a strong voice in how the state spends its money.

While Husted, R-Kettering, is lining up support to be speaker, state Sen. Jeff Jacobson, R-Butler Twp., is positioning himself to capture the Ohio Senate presidency. The two positions become open in January 2005.

The majority caucuses in the House and Senate pick the speaker and president. Much of the vote counting occurs well before the November elections, but after the elections, the majority and minority caucuses in both chambers will meet to choose their leaders.

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