Senate to fill Widener's seat

The Ohio Senate's 23-member Republican caucus will take applications from candidates who want to fill the remainder of Springfield Republican Chris Widener's term serving the 10th district.

Widener, an architect and long-time lawmaker, steps down as of Jan. 31, which is 11 months before his four-year term ends.

Senate President Keith Faber, R-Celina, announced that applications would be accepted until noon on Feb. 5 either by mail or hand-delivery to the Ohio Statehouse. Interviews will be conducted the week after that.

Applicants do not have to be a candidate for the seat in the 2016 primary or general election but those who haven't already filed to run for the seat would not be eligible to serve past the remainder of Widener's term.

The district covers all of Clark, Greene and Madison counties.

Before Widener announced his resignation, he met with a consortium of public and private colleges and universities in Ohio to offer his consulting services. You can read more about that here: http://www.mydaytondailynews.com/news/news/state-sen-chris-widener-pitched-consultant-job/nqDZw/

Credit: Laura Bischoff

Credit: Laura Bischoff

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