Senate to vote for prez

July 19, 2004
Dayton Daily News

Senate Republicans may head back to Columbus in early August to pick the person whom they'd like to see as Senate President next year.

Three candidates have emerged — Sens. Randy Gardner of Bowling Green, Bill Harris of Ashland and Robert Spada of North Royalton.

Current Senate President Doug White, R-Manchester, said he would call for the August caucus if no candidate appeared to have the job locked up.

Republicans now hold 22 of the 33 Senate seats and are expected to retain control after the November elections.

Although the new president won't take charge until next January, White, who's leaving office because of term limits, said he wants the new leader to be able to "hit the ground running."

Sen. Jeff Jacobson, R-Butler Twp., who had been the prohibitive favorite to become president next year, withdrew from consideration after it was disclosed that he had worked with two Republican consultants — Brett Buerck and Kyle Sisk — now under investigation for campaign fund-raising practices.

Commentary:
Senator Randy Gardner was among the first to commit his willingness to override a Taft veto of House Bill 12. He was also the first to obtain a statement from Attorney General Jim Petro's office that it is illegal for municipalities to pass ordinances banning CHL-holders from parks and city busses. He has been a leader on the issue of concealed carry reform.

Senator Bill Harris joined a handful of term-limited Republicans and refused to commit to a veto-override, thus ensuring that the media gain access to private information about CHL-holders.

Senator Robert Spada opposes your right to self-defense, and has taken every opportunity to vote against concealed carry.
Please take the time to call your Republican Senator and tell them who you would like to see them vote for as Senate President.