State Rep. Al Landis says he can turn his full attention to representing the residents of Tuscarawas and Holmes counties in Columbus, now that the Ohio House of Representatives has voted to uphold his victory in November’s disputed 98th District contest. “This will allow me to deal with the issues of the 98th District,” the Dover Republican said Wednesday, hours after the GOP-controlled House voted 58-32 along party lines to affirm his victory. “I think the focus of the House will be different now, since this isn’t hanging out there,” he said. “They can get back to focusing on legislation for the state.” Landis was one of two House members who abstained from voting on the resolution naming him the winner. “I recused myself on all issues involved in the process,” he said.
“I’m not surprised by the outcome,” said Democrat Josh O’Farrell of New Philadelphia, who challenged Landis in the general election. “As I’ve said, we had the odds stacked against us.”
The race’s outcome determined whether Republicans have a 60-vote majority in the House, a so-called supermajority. That majority allows Republicans to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot or override a governor’s veto without a Democratic vote.
Landis defeated O’Farrell by an 8-vote margin in November and was certified as the winner in December by the boards of election of Tuscarawas and Holmes counties.
Full Article: Ohio House upholds Landis’ victory – New Philadelphia, OH – The Times-Reporter.
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