New Ohio Governor Says Lawmakers Will Not Like Budget Proposal - WOSU Ohio Gov. John Kasich is warning state lawmakers that many of them are not going to like his budget.
2. The debate over the estate tax
Death of estate tax is House bill's intent - The Columbus Dispatch As they answered questions yesterday about how their efforts to eliminate Ohio's estate tax would impact local-government budgets, Republican lawmakers sent a not-so-subtle message to the state's cities, villages, townships and schools: Change is coming.
3. Civility in politics
Arizona shooting prompts questions about civility in politics - PoliticFact.com The tragic shooting of Democratic Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords on Jan. 8, 2011, at a Tucson constituent event is prompting some elected officials, members of the media and everyday citizens to re-evaluate whether American politics has become too filled with vitriol, anger and hate-filled speech.
While the motives of the gunman, Jared Lee Loughner, remain unclear, many have used the shooting to push for restoring civility to the political process.
4. The Columbus Mayor's race takes shape
Republicans name retired police sergeant as likely opponent to Coleman - The Columbus Dispatch Franklin County Republicans are preparing to run a retired Columbus police officer with a familiar political name against Mayor Michael B. Coleman.
Earl W. Smith will be presented to the GOP Central Committee (Thursday, Jan. 13) for consideration as the party's candidate in the mayor's race, said county Republican Chairman Doug Preisse.