News
Former State Senate President Dead at 83
By: Jo Ingles | Karen Kasler | Statehouse News Bureau
Posted on:
COLUMBUS, Ohio — The former head of the Ohio Senate has died.
Bill Harris left his car dealership in Ashland after being elected to the Ohio House in 1995.
The U.S. Marine veteran served there until 2000 when Gov. Bob Taft appointed former State Senator Dick Schafrath to an administrative position, opening up a Senate seat. Taft appointed Harris who went on to win the Senate presidency in 2005.
Current Senate President Larry Obhof now serves part of Harris’ old district.
“He’s someone who literally dedicated his life to serving the people of Ohio,” Obhof said.
Harris served as president until 2010 when he left due to term limits. Harris had been battling cancer in recent months. He was 83 years old.