Heimlich: I need a job

Today's Hamilton County Commission meeting was the last for Republican Phil Heimlich (pictured), defeated by David Pepper in the Nov. 7 election.

Heimlich took the opportunity at the close of the meeting to thanks lots of people for helping him in his four years on the commission -- after fellow commissioners Todd Portune and Pat DeWine spoke about Heimlich.

DeWine praised him for having the "guts" to take on issues -- like backing DeWine in a primary against then-fellow Republican Commissioner John Dowlin -- not many politicians would.

"Sometimes you don't get the credit for what you've done," DeWine said.

Portune lauded Heimlich for staying true to his beliefs even when politically unpopular and suspects Heimlich political career isn't over.

"My guess is this is not the end ... and we're going to see you resurface" on the political scene, Portune said.

It's been rumored that Heimlich could be talked into taking on U.S. Rep. Jean Schmidt, R-Loveland, for the 2nd Congressional District race in two years. Heimlich's Symmes Township home is in the 2nd District.

Heimlich, though, said he has no clue what his future holds.

"The question everyone has been asking is 'What are you going to do?' I don't know short-term and I don't know long-term," Heimlich said.