Thursday, November 11, 2004
After 17 years, the Youngstown state senator moves into the leadership spot.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- With term limits in the General Assembly, it's not unusual for a legislator to rise to a leadership position after serving just a few years.
For example, outgoing House Speaker Larry Householder took control of that legislative body after serving only four years.
That's not the case with state Sen. Robert F. Hagan of Youngstown, D-33rd.
The Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus tapped Hagan as its assistant minority whip, the No. 4 Democratic leadership position, on Wednesday, effective January.
Hagan has served 17 years in the state Legislature, 10 in the House, and seven in the Senate.
This is his first leadership position in the Legislature.
"We've had leaders that ascended so fast during the past few years because of term limits, and that is one of the main reasons why the state is facing a $5 billion deficit," Hagan said. "Those legislators don't have the history or the experience to be effective."
Term limits law
State officials can hold elected positions for eight years under Ohio's term limits law, except those who were appointed to fill unexpired terms. After eight years, they can't run for re-election, but can run for another position. For example, a House member who cannot run for re-election because of term limits can seek a state Senate seat, as Hagan did.
Hagan's term in the Senate expires in two years.
Hagan is considering a variety of options for his political future, including returning to the Ohio House or running for Congress.
Hagan said his appointment to a leadership position will give the Mahoning Valley a voice at the table when decisions are made, even though Democrats hold only 11 of the Senate's 33 positions.
State Sen. Marc Dann of Liberty, D-32nd, had previously said he was interested in a leadership position. But Dann said he wants to concentrate the next two years on raising money for the party and finding strong Democratic candidates for the state Senate.
If he succeeds, Dann said he plans to run in 2006 for a leadership spot.
skolnick@vindy.com