Ohio Gov. John Kasich announces dates for special elections to fill John Boehner’s seat

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COLUMBUS, Ohio — A special election to fill the Ohio congressional seat vacated by former U.S. Representative and Speaker of the House John Boehner will be held June 7, 2016.

Ohio Governor John Kasich announced the special election date Sunday, a day after Boehner’s resignation from the U.S. House of Representatives became effective.

The winner of the special election will serve the remainder of Boehner’s term, through Jan. 3, 2017.

Kasich is also directing boards of elections in the 8th Congressional District to hold the primary election for the seat on March 15 — the same day as the Ohio’s presidential primary. A full-time replacement will be picked in the next general election on Nov. 8, 2016.

Registered Republican voters will be asked to vote twice on March 15, both for a candidate to fill the seat beginning June 7, and to select a GOP candidate to run for the 2017-19 term on Nov. 8. In all likelihood, the GOP candidate selected to fill out the remainder of Boehner’s term will also be the candidate chosen to run for the full term.

So far, no Democrats have declared their candidacy for the seat, but if any do, registered Democrats will have the same opportunity.

Current GOP candidates who have thrown their hat in the ring include State Rep. Tim Derickson, Butler County Auditor Roger Reynolds, State Sen. Bill Beagle, Troy teacher J.D. Winteregg, and Tipp City businessman Scott George.

In response to Kasich’s announcement, Sen. Bill Beagle told The Daily Advocate, “With the announcement, it’s good to finally have a certain date. The dates, though, don’t impact our strategy, what we’re doing, getting the message out and talking to voters.”

Beagle added, “I do think voter turnout may be better with the special election added to the March 15 primary.”

Winteregg, who ran against Boehner in the 2014 GOP primary, said, “I am glad that there is no more uncertainty with regards to the date of the special election. Because I have been the only candidate fighting for more conservative representation for the voters in this district since before there was a special election, my team and I are going to keep doing what we’ve been doing to date — listening to voters, growing our team, and working our plan — while the others develop their message and strategies.”

George said, “The date of the special election primary has little impact on our campaign given it coincides with the regular primary on March 15. We have been preparing for that date since I announced my intent to run back in August. I am happy to see the two primaries coincide from a cost standpoint for the state and from a possible result standpoint. Having the primaries on the same timing will likely produce the same outcome.”

Derickson remarked, “We are happy with the decision from Governor Kasich. This means more time to introduce myself to the voters as a conservative that will fight for them in Washington.”

Reynolds said, “I’m pleased Governor Kasich set a date for the special election that will provide me ample time to continue traveling the 8th district. I’ve enjoyed meeting voters, listening to their concerns, and spreading my message of fiscal accountability and my mission to reign in an out-of-control Washington.”

Regardless of party affiliation, candidates for the March 15 primary must file with their local board of elections by Dec. 16.

In order to cast a ballot in the March 15 primary, voters must be registered no later than Feb. 16.

The deadline for voter registration for the June 7 special general election for the 8th Congressional District seat is May 9.

Special elections set for March 15, June 7

By Erik Martin

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Erik Martin may be reached at 937-569-4314. Join the conversation and get updates on Facebook search Darke County Sports or Advocate 360. For more features online go to dailyadvocate.com.

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