Ohio Chamber endorses local pair

Two Cincinnati-area candidates are among nine endorsed statewide by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce for legislative seats in the March 4 primary election.

The Ohio Chamber's political action committee, representing the state's largest business advocacy group, announced its endorsements Friday.

In House District 30, state Rep. Bob Mecklenborg, R- Green Township, was endorsed. He faces Dick Hammersmith in the March 4 primary runoff.

"Mecklenborg has the best mix of qualities that make for an outstanding legislator,'' the Chamber said in a statement. "The broad support he is receiving from local employers underscores his commitment to the issues important to Ohio employers, and the Chamber believes he will make these issues his chief concern as a legislator."

In House District 35, John Rabenold, a Republican from Indian Hill, was endorsed for the seat held by state Rep. Michelle Schneider. The Madeira Republican's term ends this year because of term limits. Rabenold faces Grace Kendrick and Ron Maag in the March 4 primary.

The Chamber wrote that Rabenold "is the only candidate in the race for whom business issues appear to be the top priority and he enjoys strong support from the statewide and local business communities. In addition, he possesses valuable legislative experience as an aide to a former president of the Ohio Senate."

According to Keith A. Lake, director of political and candidate education for the Ohio Chamber, all endorsed candidates share a strong understanding of the competitive forces, regulatory demands and economic challenges faced by Ohio employers and would be responsive to the concerns of the business community. Ohio Chamber staff and members met with dozens of candidates and evaluated them on their voting records if currently a legislator, candidate questionnaires, local business community support and political viability.