Heimlich's an expert now

He’s out of a job.

He (hint hint) may want more exposure to take on fellow Republican, Congresswoman Jean Schmidt.

He had nothing better to do.

He was asked.

Those are the reasons former Hamilton County Commissioner Phil Heimlich agreed to become a “legal expert” for WCPO television as it covers the Liz Carroll murder trial in Clermont County.

“I’m still thinking about what I’m going to do,” Heimlich said Monday night, moments after he appeared live on Channel 9 to give his expertise on the jury selection for the Liz Carroll trial in Batavia.

Carroll is accused of murder in the death of her foster son, Marcus Fiesel.

Heimlich hasn’t had a job since the incumbent Republican was ousted by Democratic challenger David Pepper.

Heimlich, who sounded in a good mood, said he was more than qualified to serve as a legal expert with his 9½ years as an assistant Hamilton County prosecutor, where he prosecuted some capital cases.

He wasn’t real talkative, though, when it was suggested he was serving as an expert in Clermont County -- in the heart of Ohio’s 2nd Congressional District – as part of that uncertain future.

That district, which stretches from eastern Hamilton County east to beyond Portsmouth, now is held by Jean Schmidt, R-Miami Township.

Heimlich has been rumored to be interested in a possible primary race against Schmidt since before he lost his commission seat.

“I’m working on a few things,” Heimlich said of his future, without being specific.

Some see Schmidt’s seat as vulnerable even though she has staved off two challenges by Democrats in the last two years.

-- posted by Kimball Perry