Ohio House majority leader's Dist. 72 replacement sworn in Wednesday

The Springfield News Sun is reporting that Ross McGregor has been appointed to replace Ohio House majority leader Merle G. Kearns in the 72nd Ohio House District, and Buckeye Firearms Association can further report that Mr. McGregor was sworn in Wednesday afternoon.

Kearns, a previous endorsee of this political action committee, was appointed by Gov. Bob Taft in August to become director of the state’s Department of Aging, a cabinet-level position. The Sun News reports that thirteen people originally applied to fill her position, but several dropped out before the local GOP committee made its recommendations.

According to the story, five candidates were interviewed by a Republican House committee to take Kearns’ spot: Linda Donaldson, Clark County Republican Chairman Dan Harkins, Springfield City Commissioner Dan Martin, Ross McGregor and county Department of Job and Family Services Director Bob Suver.

All but Donaldson were recommended by the county’s Republican Central Committee.

Buckeye Firearms Association looks forward to learning more about Rep. Ross McGregor's positions on firearms-related issues, and to working with him in the future.

In other news, a Dayton Daily News report this week announced that a pro-gun state lawmaker who in 2000 became the youngest person elected to the Ohio legislature has decided against seeking another term...

Click on the "Read More..." link below for more.

Derrick Seaver, R-Minster, told the Dayton Daily News Saturday that he will not seek reelection because he wants to finish college and go to law school.

"I have simply decided with my wife and family that this is the best move and decision for me," said Seaver, whose district is in the west-central part of the state.

Seaver, now 23, was 18 when he ran as a Democrat and became the youngest lawmaker in Ohio history. He won re-election in 2002 and 2004.

He has been a part-time student at Wright State University since his high school graduation.

A year ago, he made news again by becoming a Republican. He blamed what he called the Democratic Party's liberal stances.
Seaver said it became clear to him during the presidential campaign that Sen. John Kerry did not represent his values or those of his constituents.

Seaver opposes abortion and the death penalty, supports gun rights and lower taxes. He said he will not rule out returning to politics in the future.

Seaver is a co-sponsor of House Bill 347, Rep. Aslanides' sweeping firearms law reform bill, and was one of the legislators who voted to bring Ohio into the 21st century by enacting a concealed carry law.

We wish him the best, and look forward to continuing to work with him throughout the remainder of his term, which will end December 31, 2006.

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