Primary offers array of legislative contenders

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

Primary candidates vying to be in the Ohio Legislature include former lawmakers, spouses and daughters of state representatives, and current state legislators looking to change chambers.

Democrats have 13 primary races May 6 for seats in the House, while majority Republicans have almost twice as many. In the Senate, 10 of the 17 districts on the ballot are held by Republicans. Six GOP candidates have opponents.

Fifteen GOP incumbent representatives are defending their seats, including state Rep. Peter Beck, who faces felony charges. Beck, of Mason, is accused of misleading investors about a company’s financial status and using their money for personal gain. He has denied the allegations.

Beck has two challengers for his southwest Ohio district: Mary Jo Kubicki, who is treasurer to state Rep. Ron Maag’s campaign, and Paul Zeltwanger, who owns a real-estate development company.

Democratic Reps. John Barnes and Bill Patmon of Cleveland have taken heat in their primaries for breaking with their party on certain votes. The state Democratic Party has endorsed their challengers. Barnes faces Jill Zimon, a former city councilwoman in the Cleveland suburbs. Patmon is being challenged by Eugene Miller, a former Cleveland city councilman.