Stewart first Meigs senator for half century

From The Daily Sentinel

http://www.mydailysentinel.com/articles/2008/11/05/news/news00.txt

By Brian J. Reed
Published:
Thursday, November 6, 2008 12:21 AM EST
POMEROY — State Rep. Jimmy Stewart, R-Albany, was elected Ohio Senator Tuesday, defeating Morgan County Commissioner Rick Shriver by a margin of 55 percent.The 20th District Senate seat was open because Senator Joy Padgett, R-Coshocton, chose not to seek re-election.Stewart lives in western Meigs County, and is completing his third term in the Ohio House for the 92nd District. Shriver received 40 percent of the vote, and Green Party candidate Timothy Kettler, five percent.Stewart said he is only the third Meigs County resident to serve as a state senator in Ohio’s history. The last, he said, was State Senator Bob Jones, in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s.
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Stewart acknowledged that he spent most of his energy on campaigning in the northern part of the 20th District, where he is lesser known. The 20th, he said, is the largest Ohio Senate District.“It’s really a humbling experience and was a daunting challenge, covering nine counties from Meigs to Coshocton County, but I am grateful I was able to do it with a bi-partisan support, and a combination of support from organized labor and the business community,” Stewart said.“It is difficult to come from a small county like Meigs and win a legislative district.”Stewart said he expects a smooth transition because of his six-year experience in the statehouse. He said two legislative matters, a bill regulating unlicensed contractors and projected budget shortfalls, will be his focus between now and the end of his term in the House.“Balancing the budget is going to be a challenge for all of us at the state level,” Stewart said.