Applicants sought for Rep. Hite's seat in Ohio House

1/28/2011

COLUMBUS -- The search for a replacement for Rep. Cliff Hite (R., Findlay) in the Ohio House has begun now that he is headed for the state Senate.

House Speaker William Batchelder (R., Medina) has named Reps. Matt Huffman (R., Lima), Barbara Sears (R., Monclova), John Adams (R., Sidney), Lynn Wachtmann (R., Napoleon), and Jeff McCain (R., Upper Sandusky) to the panel that will screen candidates to represent the 76th District. The panel, to be chaired by Mr. Huffman, will make its recommendation to the House Republican Caucus for a vote Tuesday, with the new representative likely sworn in Wednesday.

Interviews will take place on Monday. Those wishing to be considered must submit a letter to Mr. Batchelder at 77 South High St., 14th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215 Friday at 5 p.m. or via e-mail at District69@ohr.state.oh.us.

The 76th District includes Hancock and Hardin counties and part of Auglaize.

Mr. Hite is expected to be formally appointed next week by the Senate Republican Caucus to the 1st District vacancy created when former Sen. Steve Buehrer (R., Delta) stepped down to become the new administrator of the Bureau of Workers' Compensation.

The 1st District encompasses much of the rural northwestern corner of Ohio, including Mr. Hite's House district.