14TH DISTRICT Jerse plans to challenge LaTourette

The legislator can't seek re-election because of term limits.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER
State Rep. Ed Jerse, a Euclid Democrat, filed nominating petitions to run for the 14th Congressional District seat held by U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette, who plans to seek re-election.
"For the past eight years, I've watched Ohio fall behind under exclusionary one-party rule in Columbus, and things are even worse in Washington," said Jerse, who filed his nominating petitions Monday. "You need checks and balances or the special interests will run the place."
Jerse, a four-term state representative, cannot seek re-election next year because of Ohio's term limits law. LaTourette of Madison, R-14th, is seeking a sixth two-year term in Congress next year.
The 14th District takes in seven northern townships in Trumbull County, along with all of Ashtabula, Lake and Geauga counties, and portions of Cuyahoga, Portage and Summit counties. Euclid is not in the 14th Congressional District, but Ohio law doesn't require congressional candidates to live in a congressional district to seek that seat.
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"Whatever you think of Steve LaTourette's policies, his most important vote -- for leadership -- will always sustain the exclusionary elite that has made a mess of the legislative process," Jerse said. "You could put Republicans and Democrats in the district in a room and they could find common ground, but that doesn't happen in Washington. The system is broken, and Steve LaTourette can't fix it."
A self-described conservative Democrat, Jerse said that the economy, foreign policy and the promotion of technology and access to education and health care will be the key issues in his campaign.
Jerse, 45, was appointed to the Ohio House in October 1995, and serves as ranking Democrat on the body's finance and appropriations committee.
LaTourette, 49, chairs the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's economic development, public buildings and emergency management subcommittee.
skolnick@vindy.com