Ohio Dems say Senate rejection of Strickland board appointments is unconstitutional

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus filed a formal protest today after the Senate’s rejection of Gov. Ted Strickland’s appointments to various boards and commissions.

The appointments included highly qualified Ohioans of both political parties who were appointed to serve on the State Board of Education and the Ohio Lottery Commission.

“This is another disappointing example of partisan politics in the Ohio Senate,” said Senate Minority Leader Capri S. Cafaro of Hubbard, D-32nd. "Many of the appointees have already proven themselves to be outstanding public servants. It’s a shame they will not be able to continue their service to this state.”

Strickland made the 14 appointments after the Senate majority took the unprecedented action of rejecting 78 appointees in December without regard to qualifications or experience. Three of the latest appointees — Robert Boggs, Rhine McLin and Kimberly Zurz — have previously served with distinction in the Ohio Senate as well as other positions in state and local government.

The caucus said the rejection is unconstitutional.