DaytonDailyNews.com

One reason for imposing term limits on Ohio state legislators was to foster some competitive elections by reducing the number of races involving incumbents. Often, though, the competition doesn't materialize, because only one party in a particular district really functions as a party. The other party's candidate — usually somebody taking a task nobody else wanted — has a very tough time. Many such cases are at hand in state legislative races this year. Here are two.

40th District in Montgomery County

Democrat Fred Strahorn is term-limited in the 40th District, which includes Trotwood and Harrison Twp. and parts of Dayton, Riverside and Huber Heights. It's a district in which traditionally the representative is whomever the Democratic Party says it will be. That tradition was tested in the primary this year, when political neophyte and Army veteran Vic Harris challenged the endorsed party candidate Roland Winburn, a Harrison Twp. trustee.

The party's man prevailed. Now he faces Ann E. Siefker, a self-described staunch conservative who identifies herself with radio talk-show hosts such as Rush Limbaugh. She favors the "FairTax," a project associated with talk-show host Neal Boortz, in place of the federal income tax.

Asked how she could represent a district that is overwhelmingly Democratic and supportive of liberal candidates, she says that she would allow the views of her constituents to trump hers, that if people didn't like hers they could let her know.

It's difficult to see that working out. Though Ms. Siefker has been involved in neighborhood affairs, the transplanted Californian is not a good political fit for the district.

Mr. Winburn, 61, has long been involved in local affairs as a community activist, county employee, official at the National Conference for Community and Justice (formerly the National Conference of Christians and Jews) and more. Though his primary opponent seemed more energetic and promising, he is mature and reasonable, and he works well with people.

However, the party also should be looking for more up-and-comers like Mr. Harris.

70th District in Greene County

State Rep. Kevin DeWine, R-70th, is term-limited in the Greene County district that includes Fairborn, Beavercreek and Xenia. He has taken a job at state party headquarters, where he is expected to become chairman.

The Republican primary to succeed him featured a whole bunch of city council people and others from around the district. In a race largely lacking in spirited differences, coming out on top was young Jarrod Martin, of the Beavercreek council.

The Democrat is William Conner. He ran for Congress in 2006 on a liberal platform, losing to incumbent U.S. Rep. David Hobson. This year, he sought the nomination again, but he faced tougher competition because Rep. Hobson is retiring. Mr. Conner lost to political newcomer Sharen Neuhardt, then took up the state House race.

He has not held local office.

Quick to anger, Mr. Conner has a personality not well suited to politics. (He declined to meet with the Dayton Daily News editorial board in this process, saying that the board only cares about how much money a candidate has.)

Mr. Martin is better suited by temperament and the better choice for the district

He has a lot to learn, but he knows it. He says he would go to Columbus with no great agenda, knowing that he'd be just one of 99 House members, and junior at that.

He has not been a leader in moving Beavercreek to adopt an income tax that it appears to need, nor in fostering regional cooperation, but he doesn't paint himself as an opponent of putting an income tax on the ballot or as hostile to regionalism.

He says he starts basically with a Republican commitment to low taxes and small government. He shows promise of being able to combine that predisposition with common sense and focus on particular needs.

More about Ann E. Siefker

Age: 58

Education: Associate degree in business administration, Solano Community College in California

Personal: Married, three children

More about Roland Winburn

Age: 61

Education: Bachelor's in psychology, Central State University

Personal: Married, two children

More about William Conner

Age: 64

Education: Bachelor's and master's degrees, Purdue University

Personal: Married, three children

More about Jarrod Martin

Age: 29

Education: MBA, University of Dayton; Bachelor's in business administration, College of Mount Saint Joseph

Personal: Married, three children

Candidates were asked to provide an endorsement from someone of their choosing to appear along with our views.

Ann Siefker: 'Keen instinct for identifying problems, then solving those problems'

This endorsement of Ann Siefker was provided by Michele Daley-LaFlame of Dayton, a central committee member of the Montgomery County Republican Party.

I am delighted to endorse Ann Siefker for state representative, Ohio District 40.

As a community activist, Siefker spearheaded the group that eliminated drug problems on Kelly Avenue in Old North Dayton. Working with the Dayton police and her neighbors, this work has been a major factor in the success of our local community, and we continue to see positive results.

Siefker's vast work experience has resulted in her being dubbed a troubleshooter. She has a keen instinct for identifying problems, then solving those problems. She has worked extensively in both the public and private sectors. Siefker likes a challenge. Her vision of success is balanced and objective. She is energetic, compassionate and a respected member of the community.

Siefker is the perfect candidate because she's a problem-solver and works in service to the community and the church.

Roland Winburn: 'Thoughtful approach to issues and dedication to his community'

This endorsement of Roland Winburn was provided by Alan F. Pippenger of Harrison Twp.

I first came to know Roland Winburn more than 10 years ago when he was campaigning for Harrison Twp. trustee. The seat he was seeking was mine.

While I prevailed in that election, my challenger impressed me. He stuck to issues, made fair criticisms of incumbents, and put forth a positive vision for our community. A few years later, when a board vacancy occurred, I was proud to join with Trustee George Curry — one Democrat and one Republican — to appoint Winburn to the seat.

Winburn's thoughtful approach to issues and dedication to his community earned him that appointment and two subsequent electoral wins in the township. In the more partisan atmosphere of Statehouse politics, however, I believe it will be his character and integrity, displayed in that early election contest, that will make him an effective legislator.

William Conner: 'Has the background, the policy convictions and ... morals we need'

This endorsement was provided by Matthew B. Caffrey Jr. of Beavercreek. He is a retired Air Force colonel.

I strongly recommend my fellow 70th District voters hire Bill Conner to represent us in the Ohio legislature. He has the background, the policy convictions and the personal morals we need in our advocate.

With so many of our area's new jobs coming from the base and/or high-tech industry, our district needs a representative who understands both. Conner enlisted in the Air Force and rose to a field grade officer before retiring. He then worked in high-tech as an entrepreneur, manager and engineer.

We also need a representative with strategies to make state government more effective in education, health, energy and other areas while controlling costs. Conner presents those strategies in his Web site ConnerForOH.com.

Finally, we should vote for Bill Conner because he has the moral character to resist the seduction of office. He will never forget who hired him.

Jarrod Martin: 'Willingness to work hard ... to accomplish any of his undertakings'

This endorsement of Jarrod Martin was provided by Edward P. Gallagher of Beavercreek Twp. He is retired from the U.S. Air Force.

Jarrod Martin is well-known to me. I have had the opportunity to observe his dedication to this community and notable commitment to his family. Martin's willingness to work hard and long to accomplish any of his undertakings is evident in all his actions.

Willing to help his numerous friends and neighbors with virtually any task — like that recent weekend spent shoveling gravel for the local baseball program — Martin is a regular to be counted on. He has an MBA and owns a thriving business in Beavercreek.

These strengths, combined with his leadership on the Beavercreek City Council, guarantee that we have a leader willing and anxious to take on greater responsibility in the service of voters. It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I wholeheartedly support Martin for state representative, and I warmly encourage all of you to join me in voting for Martin