Gilb reverses decision to run for Oxley seat

2/14/2006

FINDLAY - One of the first Republicans to declare himself a candidate for Mike Oxley's congressional seat has withdrawn from the race.

State Rep. Mike Gilb (R., Findlay) said continuing his campaign for the 4th Congressional District would not be in the best interest of promoting party unity. A business and tax attorney in Findlay, Mr. Gilb is in his third term representing Ohio's 76th House District. He does not intend to seek re-election to that post.

Mr. Oxley (R., Findlay) announced in November that he intended to retire at the end of his term, prompting a flurry of interest among Republicans and Democrats for his job. Since 1981, Mr. Oxley has represented the 4th district, which includes Allen, Auglaize, Hancock, Hardin, Wyandot, Logan, Marion, Crawford, Richland, Morrow, and Knox counties.