COLUMBUS – House Speaker William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) announced today that the Republican Caucus has selected Robert C. Sprague of Findlay to replace former Rep. Cliff Hite (R-Findlay), who was appointed to the vacant 1st Senate District seat today. Mr. Sprague was recommended unanimously by a five-member House panel that interviewed 11 applicants on Monday.
“We are fortunate to have someone with the experienced leadership of Robert Sprague to be the newest member of our caucus,” Speaker Batchelder said. “It will be extraordinarily valuable to have someone with Robert’s expertise and record of service in the majority caucus to help bring real prosperity to the state of Ohio, especially during these challenging economic times.”
Representative Matt Huffman (R-Lima), who chaired the five-member panel, said that his colleagues were very grateful to have many well-qualified applicants interview for the vacancy. “Our caucus was privileged to have a number of capable, thoughtful applicants apply for this position,” Rep. Huffman said. “In the end, we believe Mr. Sprague will best represent the interests of all of the citizens of the 76th House District, and we look forward to serving with him.”
Mr. Sprague currently serves as the auditor of the City of Findlay, where he also served as the city’s treasurer. He was a valedictorian of Findlay High School, is a graduate cum laude of Duke University with a degree in mechanical engineering, and earned an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Previously, he was a management consultant with Ernst & Young and later owned and operated his own consulting firm. He and his wife Amanda reside in Findlay with their four boys.
Mr. Sprague will be appointed to the Ohio House of Representatives during House session on Wednesday, February 2.
COLUMBUS—Ohio House Speaker William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) and members of the House Republican Caucus today announced that a screening panel will begin screening candidates who wish to replace Representative Cliff Hite (R-Findlay). Rep. Hite will be appointed to the vacant 1st District Senate seat next week.
Representative Matt Huffman (R-Lima), who will chair the screening panel, will be joined by Reps. Lynn Wachtmann (R-Napoleon), John Adams (R-Sidney), Barbara Sears (R-Sylvania), and Jeff McClain (R-Upper Sandusky) in thoroughly researching and interviewing each applicant.
“I am very pleased that five of our caucus members from Northwest Ohio will lead this screening panel,” Speaker Batchelder said. “I know that the panelists will engage in a thoughtful review of the unique qualifications of each applicant for the 76th House District.”
Residents of the 76th House District who wish to be considered for the appointment should provide a letter of interest to Speaker Batchelder at 77 South High Street, 14th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215 by Friday, January 28, 2011 at 5:00pm. Applicants may also email their letter to Speaker Batchelder at District69@ohr.state.oh.us.
The panel of five Republican House members will begin interviewing applicants at a location to be determined in the 76th House District on Monday, January 31, 2011. A full vote will be taken by the Republican caucus on Tuesday afternoon with the likely appointment to take place during House Session the following day.
