Senator Gardner (R-Bowling Green) considers early exit

State Senator Randy Gardner, R-Bowling Green, took over Doug White’s position as president pro tem when White became Senate President. Now Gardner, who is term-limited and cannot run for re-election in 2004, is considering another move: an early exit from the Senate.

Gardner is being pressured by Gov. Bob Taft to stay in the Senate instead of resigning if he is appointed a Lake County commissioner.

Gardner said the governor has asked him to continue his leadership roles on important education issues.

Gardner said he will weigh his options on whether he will withdraw from consideration for the Lake County post or remain in the Senate.

"I'm receiving a tremendous amount of pressure from my Senate president and the governor," Gardner said.

Click here to read the entire story in the Willoughby News-Herald.