County commissioner to oppose Ohio congressman

COLUMBUS (AP) — A Democratic county lawmaker in Columbus will challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Pat Tiberi in his central Ohio district.

Franklin County Commissioner Paula Brooks tells The Columbus Dispatch that people want a fresh approach to tackling tough problems.

Brooks, 56, doesn’t live in the 12th Congressional District but describes herself as just eight minutes away. She says what’s important is where the country is going, not addresses.

After Brooks’ announcement Wednesday, Tiberi issued a statement calling her “miles away” from the values held by his constituents.

Tiberi was first elected to Congress in 2000.

The neighboring 15th District is now represented by former Franklin County Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy.