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Republican Chuck Blasdel, the current speaker pro-tempore in
the Ohio State House, saw his chance to head to Washington in
a seat left up for grabs by a Democrat.
Five-term Congressman Ted Strickland, who has held on to his
job in a Republican-leaning district for a decade, announced in
May, 2005, he was running for governor. That left primary winners
-- Blasdel of East Liverpool and Democrat state senator Charlie
Wilson of St. Clairsville - to fight for his seat.
Blasdel, born in Akron, was first elected to represent the 1st
District in Ohio's House in 2000. As speaker pro-tempore, he's
second in line for leadership of the state House. He also serves
as vice-chairman of the Rules and Reference Committee and on the
State Government and Ways and Means committees. During his second
term in office, Blasdel became chairman of the House Banking,
Pensions and Securities Committee.
His campaign suffered an early setback in April when Ohio Attorney
General Jim Petro announced Blasdel owed the state around $50,000
in back taxes. Blasdel's campaign insisted the amount was much
less, but Democrats saw an opportunity to attack his tax record
in a district where taxes are an important issue.
According to his campaign biography, Blasdel focused his time
in office on tax reform, new job creation and providing better
care for senior citizens. He pushed for Ohio's Comprehensive Tax
Reform Package, a bill that eliminated franchise and inventory
taxes for businesses, and cut income taxes by 21 percent.
He co-sponsored Ohio's Conceal Carry Law, which allows approved
gun owners to carry a concealed handgun, and has voted against
tax increases.
Before entering politics, Blasdel was commissioner of Saint Clair
Township. He ran unsuccessfully for Columbiana County recorder
in 1996. He became president of Blasdel Financial Group in 1998
and an investment advisor at H.D. Vest Investment Securities in
1990. He earned an associate's degree in accounting management
from Ohio Valley Business College in East Liverpool, Ohio.
Blasdel was born Jan. 29, 1974. He lives with his wife Lisa and
their son in East Liverpool. He is president of the East Liverpool
American Red Cross and treasurer of the Salvation Army Advisory
Board.
Campaign Web site: www.blasdelforcongress.com
-- Compiled by Anna Shoup for
the Online NewsHour
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