Still No Speaker

The 65-member Ohio House Republican caucus met this week to elect a new Speaker. It failed to do so.

Rep. Ryan Smith (R-Bidwell), the current Finance Committee chairman, came up a few votes short of the necessary 50 votes. Two other members, both term limited, had their hats in the ring.

The backdrop of the matter is an ugly contest for the office for next session between Smith and Rep. Larry Householder (R-Glenford).

Speaker Pro Temp Kirk Schuring (R-Canton) expects the 50-vote threshold to be passed next week after some further negotiations among some members.

The Republicans are trying to replace former Speaker Cliff Rosenberger, who resigned amid reports of an FBI inquiry into his affairs. 5/17/2018