AP: Columbus lobbyist to replace GOP senator

Last week, we reported on the resignation of anti-CCW Republican Senator Priscilla Mead, and on speculation about her replacement's stance on the concealed carry reform issue.

The Associated Press is now reporting that a replacement has been chosen by a Senate screening committee.

OFCC PAC will be in contact with the appointee's office, to determine his level of support for concealed carry reform, and will report our findings here as soon as possible.

An archived version of the story follows.

Columbus lobbyist to replace GOP senator

The Associated Press
1/8/03 1:53 PM

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- A Columbus lobbyist has been chosen to replace state Sen. Priscilla Mead, a Republican who resigned last week.

Steve Stivers, 37, a Bank One vice president for governmental affairs, was expected to be approved Thursday by the 21 other Senate Republicans.

Stivers also is chairman of the Ohio Public Works Commission, which oversees state construction projects. He previously was an aide to former state Sen. Cooper Snyder of Hillsboro.

Others considered for the post included Republican Reps. Jim Hughes, Larry Wolpert and Geoffrey Smith, Grove City Mayor Cheryl Grossman and former state Reps. E.J. Thomas and David Robinson. A screening committee selected Stivers on Wednesday night, Senate President Doug White said.

Mead, of suburban Upper Arlington, resigned midway through her four-year term to pursue other interests. The only Republican woman in the Senate, she also served in the House from 1992-2000. The 16th Senate District includes northwest Columbus and Franklin County's western suburbs.