August 11, 2000 OHIO CHAMBER PAC ANNOUNCES "CHAMBER CHOICE" ENDORSEMENTS IN KEY LEGISLATIVE RACES The Ohio Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee (OCCPaC) has announced the selection of eight Chamber Choice candidates in competitive races for the Ohio General Assembly. Of the eight candidates selected, two are seeking seats in the Ohio Senate and six are running for seats in the Ohio House. The eight Chamber Choice candidates were selected using input from Ohio Chamber members, local chambers and district research conducted by the Chamber's Political and Candidate Education (P.a.C.E.) program. "The Chamber Choice candidates have demonstrated their support for strong economic and business growth in Ohio," said Ohio Chamber President Andrew E. Doehrel. "For incumbents, this support was measured by their legislative voting record. For those not holding an office, the information was obtained through surveys and personal interviews. These eight candidates are expected to be in very competitive races where the support of local business people can really make a difference." Due to the advent of term limits, five of the Chamber Choice candidates are seeking election in open seats. "Our state's economy and job creation climate have prospered due to the direction set by the General Assembly," Doehrel said. "With so many seats changing hands, supporting candidates who will continue strong pro-business policies will be crucial to maintaining Ohio's strong economic development efforts." The two Senate Chamber Choice candidates include: Rep. Ron Amstutz (R-Wooster) (22nd Senate District -- Medina and Wayne Counties and part of Cuyahoga County) This seat is currently occupied by Sen. Grace Drake (R-Solon) who cannot seek re-election due to term limits. Amstutz has represented the Wayne County portion of the district for 20 years in the Ohio House. He has a cumulative Ohio Chamber voting record of 93 percent over his legislative career. Sen. Bob Spada (R-Parma Heights) (24th Senate District -- suburbs in Western Cuyahoga County) Spada, the appointed incumbent, succeeded former Sen. Gary Suhadolnik in early 1999. This district has been competitive in past elections, and this year's contest should be no exception. A former member of Parma Heights city council, Spada has strong business credentials as a financial consultant and small business owner. He has compiled a 96 percent pro-business voting record since joining the Senate. The six House Chamber Choice candidates include: Charles Blasdel (R-East Liverpool) (3rd House District -- Columbiana County) This seat is currently held by Rep. Sean Logan (D-Salineville) who cannot seek re-election due to term limits. With the departure of the popular incumbent, this race may be one of the most competitive in the state. The owner of a financial services business, Blasdel is familiar with the concerns of Ohio business owners. Tony Condia (R-Cincinnati) (33rd House District -- Western Cincinnati and Delhi Twp. in Hamilton County) This district has been held for years by pro-business Democrat Jerry Luebbers, even though on paper it favor Republicans. No stranger to the legislative process, Condia served as an aide to U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot (R-Cincinnati) and currently works for the Home Builders Association of Greater Cincinnati. Rep. Bill Hartnett (D-Mansfield) (79th House District -- part of Richland County) Hartnett won a full term in this swing district in 1998 after being appointed to succeed veteran Rep. Frank Sawyer (D-Bellville). Hartnett is a former Mansfield City Schools superintendent and former chairman of the Mansfield-Richland Chamber of Commerce. In the 1998 race, Hartnett withstood significant spending by his Republican opponent to win. During his time in the House, he has compiled a 92 percent pro-business voting record. Jon Husted (R-Kettering) (41st House District -- Miamisburg, Moraine, Oakwood West Carrollton, and parts of Kettering in Montgomery County) The 41st district is now represented by Don Mottley (R-West Carrollton) who is leaving due to term limits. Husted, the vice president of business and economic development at the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, has years of experience on business issues in the Miami Valley. Though the 41st district favors Republicans, Husted must overcome four General Election opponents to win. Rep. Jim Mettler (R-Holland) (52nd House District -- western and southern wards of Toledo and Ottawa Hills in Lucas County) Mettler was appointed to this position in 1999 to replace Rep. Sally Perz (R-Toledo). Mettler, who worked previously in the public affairs office for State Auditor Jim Petro, has put together a 100% pro-business voting record in his brief House career. Earlier this year, Mettler sponsored legislation to place State Issue 1, Governor Taft's environmental bond issue, on the November ballot. Jim Raussen (R-Cincinnati) (32nd House District -- Sharonville, Blue Ash, Forest Park and other northern suburbs in Hamilton County) Raussen, a senior claims representative for Great American Insurance, previously served as a Hamilton Township trustee. He won a competitive primary in March for the GOP nomination and faces a strong challenge in the fall. In the 1990's, the 32nd district has been one of the most competitive Cincinnati-area General Assembly districts.