State Sen. Brown takes Democrats' No. 4 spot

COLUMBUS -- Sen. Edna Brown (D., Toledo) has survived an overhaul of Senate Democratic leadership in a chamber where Republicans outnumber the minority caucus by more than two to one.

The former Toledo city councilman and state representative took the oath Tuesday as the newest assistant minority whip, the No. 4 position among Democrats.

That's a step below the post she held prior to the shake-up, minority whip.

"I sincerely thank you that, in our change in leadership, you chose to let me remain as a member of our leadership team," she told her Democratic colleagues.

Mrs. Brown noted later that often when new leadership is elected, the entire prior slate is swept out.

The rest of the Democratic team now includes Senate Minority Leader Eric Kearney of Cincinnati replacing Sen. Capri Cafaro of Hubbard; Assistant Minority Leader Joe Schiavoni of Youngstown replacing Sen. Shirley Smith of Cleveland, and Minority Whip Nina Turner of Cleveland replacing Ms. Brown.

Ms. Brown, in turn, replaced Mr. Schiavoni in the No. 4 slot.