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Ohio Democrats Pick New Leader
By: Associated Press
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Democrats in the Ohio House have picked a Columbus representative to be their new leader.
State Rep. Tracy Maxwell Heard was chosen Tuesday night to replace Rep. Armond Budish of Beachwood as House minority leader. Budish said he's resigning to allow for a smoother transition before his term ends next year.
Budish has led House Democrats for five years. His resignation Tuesday night comes as he considers a run for Cuyahoga County executive.
Democrats also picked State Rep. Debbie Phillips (D-Albany) as assistant minority leader. Rep. Matt Szollosi of Toledo is resigning his seat this month to become executive director of the Affiliated Construction Trades of Ohio.
Joining Heard on the leadership team are Michael Ashford (D-Toledo), Democratic whip, and Dan Ramos (D-Lorain), assistant whip.