Ohio Senate Democrats Shake Up Leadership In Critical Political Year

By: Associated Press | NBC4i.com
Published: January 10, 2008

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio Senate Democrats ousted their leader Wednesday in a broad shake up aimed at improving the party's chances of picking up seats in a critical election year.

Sen. Ray Miller of Columbus, the longest serving state lawmaker, will take over as minority leader, replacing Sen. Teresa Fedor of Toledo.

Miller said Fedor was praised during a closed-door meeting of Senate Democrats on Wednesday, but there were concerns she had failed to focus money on a few key races or to hold the caucus together on important votes. She had held the spot since being chosen by her colleagues in November 2006.

Miller had previously held the caucus' No. 3 spot.

Senate Democrats discussed the importance of having a leader that fully understands the significance and influence that a minority leader has, Miller said.

"Sen. Fedor ran the first leg well and has passed the baton, and we plan to run even faster," he said.

Fedor declined to speak with reporters when she left the meeting.

Also Wednesday, state Sen. Shirley Smith of Cleveland moved up to become assistant minority leader, while Sen. Capri Cafaro of Hubbard became assistant minority whip. Sen. Lance Mason of Cleveland, previously assistant minority whip, will become minority whip.

Republicans currently hold a 21-12 advantage in the Senate. Miller toned down expectations for the upcoming election.

"It would be very difficult for us to gain a majority in the Senate," he said. "Certainly we'll put forth a very aggressive effort to do that, but I'm a realist. I want to target those seats where we have the best chance of winning."