State senator from Toledo gets promotion in Democratic caucus

12/5/2013

COLUMBUS — The 10 members of the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus on Wednesday elected new leadership heading into 2014, replacing two members who are now running for statewide office.

The change meant a promotion for Sen. Edna Brown (D., Toledo), who moves up a slot from assistant minority whip to minority whip, the No. 3 leadership post. She replaces Sen. Nina Turner of Cleveland, who is running for secretary of state.

Sen. Joe Schiavoni of Youngstown moved up a spot to minority leader, replacing Sen. Eric Kearney of Cincinnati, who is running as Ed FitzGerald’s lieutenant governor candidate. Sen. Charleta Tavares of Columbus replaces Mr. Schiavoni as assistant minority leader.

Rounding out the leadership team is Sen. Lou Gentile (D., Steubenville) as the new assistant minority whip.

Democrats are outnumbered better than 2-to-1 in the 33-member chamber.