State senator considering staying put

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

A Republican state senator who has been elected to the Ohio House may not make the move, a scenario that one expert says raises a new ethical issue in the era of term limits.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Sen. Tim Grendell of Chesterland declined to commit Thursday to whether he will serve in the open House seat he won easily. He has two more years on his Senate term.

Since eight-year term limits were imposed in the state in 2000, it has not been uncommon for lawmakers to move between chambers, sometimes more than once.

If history’s any indicator, Grendell’s wife, Court of Appeals Judge Diane Grendell, may want to take her husband’s place in the Senate — or his new spot in the House. The colorful pair have alternated serving at the Statehouse for nearly 20 years. A message was left at the judge’s office Thursday seeking comment.

When asked if he could share his plans for the upcoming session, Grendell answered no. He said his response did not mean he had definitely ruled out going to the House.

“Doesn’t mean that, doesn’t mean the other,” he said. “It just means I’ll do what’s right for the constituents of my district.”