SANDUSKY — Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose broke a party line tie vote today, certifying Caleb Stidham’s name for the November 3 ballot.
Stidham was appointed to run as the Republican nominee to represent the 89th Ohio House District, which includes Erie and Ottawa and parts of Huron County.
He’s replacing D.J. Swearingen, the incumbent, as the party nominee for the seat. Swearingen opted out of the race after winning the nomination in May primary election.
The Erie County elections board failed to certify Stidham for the ballot Aug. 14 it met. The board vote became deadlocked 2-2. Republicans John Adams and Gary Smith voted in the affirmative; Democrats Edward Leonard and MaryAnn Groot voted against certifying Stidham for the ballot.
The tie vote threw the decision to the Ohio Secretary of State. LaRose made the decision today after reviewing draft minutes of the board meeting and the recorded audio. Members on both sides of the vote also submitted written statements.
