Hackett to fill Widener senate seat

State Rep. Bob Hackett, R-London, is getting the nod to fill out the remaining 10 months of Republican Chris Widener's term in the Ohio Senate.

Senate President Keith Faber, R-Celina, said a screening committee is recommending Hackett, who is running against Bruce Walton this year for the upcoming four-year term. Hackett has been in the Ohio House since 2009. The 10th District includes all of Clark, Greene and Madison counties.

“Bob has the experience and depth of knowledge to be an effective state senator on day one,” said Faber in a written statement. “We were very impressed with both applicants, but Bob's record of leadership and accomplishment in the Ohio House make him the best choice to fill this vacancy. He knows the district and the issues important to its constituents, I’m confident he’ll be an outstanding advocate for the 10th District. We also look forward to ensuring his election to a full, four-year term in November.”

The 23 Republican state senators will meet Feb. 23 to accept the screening committee's recommendation of Hackett for the post.

Widener abruptly announced he would step down on Jan. 31. The next day, Central State University announced it hired Widener as an outside consultant for $72,000 a year. Widener lands CSU contract

While serving as a state senator, Widener, who is an architect, had pitched his consulting services to other area public universities and community colleges. Widener pitched consultant job

Credit: Laura Bischoff

Credit: Laura Bischoff

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