GOP senators could block Strickland's appointments

COLUMBUS (AP) — Some top Republican Ohio senators want to block appointees of the outgoing Democratic governor who would oversee areas such as tuitions, state investments and high-tech business grants.

The move would take away one of the few powers left for lameduck Gov. Ted Strickland. His Democratic party was swept out of power Nov. 2, but he remains on the job until Jan. 10.

Interviews with Gongwer News Service and The Columbus Dispatch indicate at least three Republicans in the GOP-led Senate support rejecting unconfirmed Strickland appointees.

But Sen. Kevin Coughlin, a Republican who made a brief bid to challenge Strickland, says that would disrespect the governor’s role and the Senate’s integrity.

The Senate has not met to vote in five months.