Challengers Line Up For Hite’s Spot

Six Republicans have stepped forward to replace Cliff Hite as Ohio’s 1st District senator. Hite resigned in October with 14 months remaining in his four-year term, amidst revelations he acted inappropriately toward a female that worked in a state office in Columbus. 82nd Ohio House District Rep. Craig Riedel of Defiance and 81st House District Rep. Rob McColley of Napoleon, are intending to run. They are joined by Paulding County Commissioner Roy Klopfenstein, retired Ottawa businessman Frank Miller Jr., Findlay High School principal Craig Kupferberg and Highway Patrol officer Jeff Smalley. The candidates will be interviewed by a seven-member panel of Republican senators.