From the Sen:
 

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today endorsed Sharen Neuhardt, the Democratic candidate for the open seat in Ohio’s 7thCongressional District.

From the Senate Dems, who likely will name Sen. Capri Cafaro as whip in Mason’s place:

COLUMBUS – Today, Senate Minority Leader, Ray Miller announced that the Senate Democratic Caucus will be accepting applications for Senator Lance Mason’s (D- Cleveland) vacancy.  This news comes in the wake of Senator Mason’s appointment by Governor Strickland to Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas.  Mason will replace Judge Lillian K. Greene, who is scheduled to retire this year.

From the Sen:
 
COLUMBUS – State Senator Jason Wilson (D – Columbiana) recently introduced legislation aimed at protecting the Ohio River, as well as the businesses and communities that depend upon the river daily. The measure, Senate Concurrent Resolution 28, urges Congress to provide full funding for the upgrading and proper maintenance of the locks and dams on the Ohio River.

From Ohioans for Financial Freedom:
 
Columbus — The Committee of Ohioans fighting to allow consumers to have lending options in the state said today its arguments will be heard by the 10th District Court of Appeals on August 7, 2008. The group says that Ohio law could prevent Ohioans from their Constitutional right to repeal a law. The lawsuit, originally filed in Franklin County Common Pleas Court, says State law cannot limit or restrict the power of the people to repeal a state law.  

Just out:
 
COLUMBUS— On the fifth anniversary of the law that prohibits convicted sex offenders from living within 1,000 feet of a school, State Senator Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster) and State Representative Jimmy Stewart (R-Albany) today announced that they will be introducing companion legislation in the Ohio Senate and House to ensure that the law applies uniformly to all sex offenders.

From the Speaker:
 

COLUMBUS – Ohio House Speaker Jon Husted (R- Kettering) today appointed Sally Conway Kilbane to the newly-created Commission on Cuyahoga County Government Reform.

From the House Dems:
 

AKRON – State Representative Stephen Dyer (D-Green) will be discharged today from Akron General Medical Center after spending the weekend receiving treatment for an infection developed in puncture wounds from a dog attack.

From the House Dems:

AKRON – State Representative Stephen Dyer (D-Green) will be admitted today to Akron General Medical Center for treatment for an infection developed in puncture wounds from a dog attack.
A Rottweiler dog attacked and bit Rep. Dyer as he campaigned door-to-door in Suffield on Monday. The dog left wounds on Rep. Dyer’s right forearm near the elbow. The wounds have since become infected.
I want to assure you that Rep. Dyer is OK. He’s in very good spirits. He is expected to stay at Akron General for the weekend. His office remains open during regular …

Apologies for the delay, but here’s the second part of the Statehouse press conference yesterday on health care issues, featuring Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman and state representative candidate Jan Lanier, a Democrat from Delaware County: