News

Ohio voters have swept incumbent Republicans led by Gov. John Kasich back into office and ousted several Democrats from the state Legislature, including the state party chairman.

 

Kasich's victory over Cleveland Democrat Ed FitzGerald, the Cuyahoga County executive, was expected after the challenger's campaign missteps left him seriously behind in polls and fundraising.

 

The 62-year-old Kasich attributed the win to the Ohio GOP's efforts to be inclusive to groups including the drug-addicted, mentally ill, minorities and the poor.

 

Republicans also maintained control of both chambers of the state Legislature, and picked up seats in the Ohio House including one held by Ohio Democratic Chairman Chris Redfern, who immediately submitted his resignation as head of the party.