In its first official day of the new session, the Ohio House has a new speaker. And it's not who many expected.
While Republican Derek Merrin (R-Monclova) won a secret ballot vote among Republicans in November to replace the outgoing Bob Cupp (R-Lima), Republican Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Mill) got the majority of the "yeas" in the official vote on the floor.
Stephens won 54-43 with the help of all 32 House Democrats who said he would be a better choice when it came to their priorities, primarily on education.
While some Merrin backers are angry, Center for Christian Virtue President Aaron Baer said he doesn’t think the selection of a more moderate Republican is a sign that his group won’t be able to achieve its legislative priorities.
