Dems select House leaders

November 18, 2008:

COLUMBUS – Ohio House Democratic Leader Joyce Beatty (D-Columbus) announced tonight Ohio House Democratic Caucus members for the 128th General Assembly have unanimously elected State Representative Armond Budish (D-Beachwood) as the next Speaker of the House.

"I am proud and humbled to lead our Caucus into the next General Assembly as we continue the work to turn around Ohio," Budish said. "We partnered with Governor Strickland over the past two years to lay the groundwork for positive change. I look forward to working with him, President Harris, Minority Leader Batchelder, and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to continue building the foundation for long-term prosperity and success in Ohio."

Speaker-Elect Budish joined Leader Beatty to lead the Caucus as it gained as many as seven seats on November 4, securing the House majority for the first time in 14 years. It was the first time in Ohio history that a House caucus won a majority on a district map the opposing party drew.

Other members elected to leadership roles for the 128th General Assembly include:

Rep. Matt Szollosi (D-Toledo): Speaker Pro Tempore
Rep. Jennifer Garrison (D-Marietta): Majority Floor Leader
Rep. Tracy Maxwell Heard (D-Columbus): Assistant Majority Floor Leader
Rep. Jay Goyal (D-Mansfield): Majority Whip
Rep. Allan Sayre (D-Dover): Assistant Majority Whip

"This leadership team will work tirelessly to steer our state through this challenging time and set a course for prosperity and opportunity," Budish said. "The voters trust them, I trust them, and I can’t wait to get started pursuing the goals and solutions important to all Ohioans."

Ohio House Democratic Leader Joyce Beatty (D-Columbus), who will leave the House at the end of the year because of term limits, reflected on the transfer of power and the potential of the new Democratic Caucus.

"I see wonderful promise in our new House Administration to craft policies that improve the quality of life for Ohioans in every corner of our state," Beatty said. "Speaker-Elect Budish's priorities are in line with the concerns and challenges of our citizens, and I know he and his leadership team are committed to facing those issues head-on, in a bipartisan manner, and finding common-sense solutions.

"I am proud of the legacy I leave behind in the Ohio House of Representatives – one of service, sacrifice and success on behalf of the people of Ohio. This new majority is the perfect capper to my legislative career, and I am very confident that we will see great things in the next General Assembly."