House swearing-in a family affair

The entire Mallory family was in Columbus today for the swearing-in ceremony of Dale Mallory to the 32nd District seat of the Ohio House.

"I'm excited about moving the state forward," Mallory said after taking the oath of office. "I'll continue our family's tradition of good government. Our family's excited. Our constituents are excited."

Mallory is the third family member elected to the Ohio House, after his father William Sr., and brother, Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory. Last year was the first year in 40 that a Mallory did not serve in the Ohio General Assembly.

Mark Mallory served in the House from 1995-98, and the Senate from 1999 until December 2005. "This is exciting," the mayor said after today's ceremony. "I think it's an opportunity for a fresh new start."

William Mallory Sr. served from 1967-94 including as majority floor leader when Democrats controlled the House. "I'm real proud of it," he said of his son today. "It's quite an accomplishment."

Dale Mallory is one of 19 freshman Democrats in the House, the largest incoming class of Democrats since 1973. House Republicans maintain a majority of 53 to 46 seats but suffered a net loss of seven seats on Nov. 7.

Mallory's mother, Fannie, and brothers, William Jr. and Joe, also attended the opening day of the 127th General Assembly.

During separate House votes, Republicans Bill Seitz, R-Green Township, Michelle Schneider, R-Madeira, and Steve Driehaus, D-Price Hill, were elected to leadership posts.