This week I am writing a series on candidates running for General Assembly open seats in 2014. In part 1, I gave some background on what to expect next year and the importance of open seats. In part 2, I covered the four open seats in the Ohio Senate. Today’s post covers the seven Republican-held Ohio House seats.
Most of these seats are heavily Republican, with the exception of House District 79, which is why there are very few Democrats on this list.
Here are the first four races, to be followed by another post with the last three.
House District 4 (Allen County)
Bob Cupp (R) – The former Ohio Supreme Court Justice and Ohio Senator has decided he might like to try out the Ohio House. He’s been on the ballot in Lima going back to 1976, when he ran for prosecutor. His name recognition will likely play a big role in this primary. Lifetime Ohio Chamber Voting Record: 98%
Kurt Neeper (R) – Neeper is a Lima city councilman who has set his sights on becoming a state representative. His youth (he’s 33 years old) provides a stark contrast to Cupp, which could make things interesting. He currently works as Vice President of Business Development for Superior Federal Credit Union.
House District 69 (Eastern Medina County)
Steve Hambley (R) – Speaker of the House Bill Batchelder is term-limited in 2014, which means we will not only have a new speaker, but also a new representative from the 69th House district. Medina County Commissioner Steve Hambley declared his candidacy in September. He was first elected commissioner in 1996 and has served since. Prior to that he was a city councilman in Brunswick.
*More GOP candidates are rumored to be interested in this seat.
House District 71 (Northwest Licking County)
Scott Ryan (R) – Licking County Treasurer Scott Ryan is interested in filling the spot being vacated by Rep. Jay Hottinger, who is running for the Senate. He was appointed treasurer in 2011 and ran unopposed in 2012, and prior to that was president of Leader Printing in Newark for 16 years.
Doug Joseph (R) – Reynoldsburg City Councilman Doug Joseph is also in the race for House District 71. He ran unsuccessfully in Licking County on a few occasions, including for county commissioner in 2004 and 2008, as well as county auditor in 2010.
House District 77 (Northern Fairfield County)
Sen. Tim Schaffer (R) – Sen. Schaffer is looking to return to the Ohio House, where he served from 2001 to 2006. The seat is currently held by Rep. Gerald Stebelton, who is term-limited in 2014. While it’s possible a formidable candidate may challenge Schaffer, his current position as a state senator makes it unlikely. Lifetime Ohio Chamber Voting Record: 68%