SPRINGFIELD, OH (October,29) Republican Chris Widener and Democrat Roger Tackett are two of the more prominent names in Clark County politics.
They are facing off for the 10th District seat in the Ohio Senate held by Steve Austria. Austria is running to replace the retiring David Hobson in the 7th Congressional District.
Widener is currently serving a third term representing the 84th Ohio House District, and Tackett is serving his seventh term as county commissioner.
Tackett is a well-liked figure in county politics and veterans affairs.
His race has drawn support from the top of his state's party, including Gov. Ted Strickland.
And Tackett says he would like to return the favor by backing Strickland and his agenda in the Legislature.
Perhaps Widener's main accomplishment during his time in the Legislature has been the bill to effectively end usury by the payday lending industry.
His bill reduced the 391 percent annual percentage rate charged payday customers and reduced it to 28 percent. (The payday industry is now challenging that bill with Issue 5 that would keep the current regulations.)
Widener also has been active in trying to make Ohio more competitive in attracting new business by changing the tax code and lowering taxes.
The News-Sun Editorial Board believes both men are qualified, but that Widener holds the edge in experience. Widener is fundamentally conservative, but he has demonstrated a willingness to simply solve problems without being doctrinaire.
Ohio faces tremendous challenges to its economy. Its educational and health systems need help from the Legislature.
Widener has proven to have a grasp of the issues and the ability to work with both Republicans and Democrats to solve problems.
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