Petro picks Padgett as running mate

Attorney General Jim Petro named Sen. Joy Padgett today as his running mate in this year's race for governor.

Padgett, 58, of Coshocton replaces Phil Heimlich as lieutenant governor on the Republican Party ticket. Heimlich withdraw from the race two weeks ago to run for re-election on the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners.

Padgett was a member of the Ohio House from 1993-99 and director of the state Office of Appalachia from 1999-2004. She was elected to the Senate in 2004 when she defeated Democrat Terry Anderson.

Born in Morgan Run Coal Hollow, Padgett is a former high school teacher and owns an office supply business with her husband, Don. Padgett is opposed to abortion, but supports the right to bear arms.

"We need to reinvent governor so it runs more efficiently,'' she said today at a Statehouse news conference. "My greatest concern is complacency.''

Petro's primary opponent, Secretary of State Ken Blackwell of Cincinnati, is expected to name his running mate this week.

Padgett is known for running well from behind, and is not afraid to attack. Today, she called Blackwell "a one-dimensional candidate.''