COLUMBUS Minority leader is tapped to run for state treasurer

Herrington enjoys his work in the Senate, however.
By JEFF ORTEGA
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
COLUMBUS -- State Democratic Party leaders have spoken to Senate Minority Leader Leigh E. Herington about running for state treasurer next year.
Herington, a Portage County Democrat, said he'll decide his plans by early January. Herington, who leads the 12-member Senate Democratic caucus, said he enjoys his role as Democratic leader, however.
Republicans have the majority in both chambers of the Legislature, including a 21-12 advantage in the Senate.
"I like my current role a great deal," Herington said Monday. "It would take a lot to get me out."
Filling the ticket: State Democratic Party leaders are approaching Herington and others as the party tries to fill out the Democratic ticket in next year's statewide elections.
"I initiated the conversation," Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Leland said Monday. "We've been having lots of conversations with lots of people."
Leland declined to name others he's had conversations with to run for state treasurer, who is responsible for collecting all money due to the state and for payment of all state debts.
Leland said, however, if Herington chose to run for state treasurer, Herington would bring some pluses to a potential campaign including an understanding of the state budget and state fiscal policy.
Herington, who is in his second and final term in the Ohio Senate, has a law degree from the University of Akron and bachelor's and master's degrees from Kent State University. He was appointed to his Senate seat in 1995, was elected in 1996 and then re-elected in 2000.
Filing deadline: The filing deadline for the November election is Feb. 21.
Republican Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell has said he intends to run for state treasurer next year, a post he's held before.
Blackwell was appointed state treasurer in 1994, replacing Mary Ellen Withrow. Blackwell ran successfully for the position at the end of 1994 and served from 1995 to 1999.