ODP: New Democratic majority in Ohio House will give Strickland legislative partner

The Ohio Democratic Party held a press conference Wednesday, saying that the new Democratic Majority in the Ohio House of Representatives will give Gov. Ted Strickland a legislative partner to help turn around Ohio.

One of the biggest victories for the party on Tuesday night was the Ohio Democrats taking the Ohio House of Representatives from Republican control after 14 years.

The ODP said that by winning back the Ohio House, Strickland now has "a productive legislative partner to help continue to turn around Ohio and improve the lives of working families."

The ODP gave a list of Democratic winners that included attorney John Carney in Ohio's 22nd House district, Ray Pryor in the 85th, Mike Moran in the 42nd, Mark Schneider in the 63rd, Connie Pillich in the 28th, Debbie Phillips in the 92nd, Nancy Garland in the 20th and Matt Patten in the 18th. The ODP also pointed to Marian Harris in the 19th leading with 100 percent of precincts reporting.

The Democrats said that since 2004, they have gained a total of 17 net seats in the Ohio House, with 4 gained in 2004, 7 in 2006, and "at least 6" in 2008.

The ODP pointed out that this was done under district lines drawn by Republicans, saying that this is the first time ever that any party has regained the House majority under the lines drawn by the opposing party.

ODP chair Chris Redfern (D-Catawba Island) talked up the ODP resources in the 2008 cycle, saying the organization participated in dozens of races, continuing their strategy of creating a "strong, robust, muscular, 88 county party."

Redfern pointed to state Rep. Armond Budish (D-Beachwood) as the Speaker-elect for the new Democratic majority, saying that Budish would work with Strickland to help accomplish the goals of "Turnaround Ohio," Strickland's 2006 campaign pledge to do exactly that.

Redfern said the newly elected Democrats understand the importance of representing their districts.

Redfern said that the state Senate has not been forgotten, pointing to the current lines having been drawn politically by Republicans. He said Democrats were willing to participate in the process as it is but are also anticipating competing for the seats when the lines are redrawn.