| Connie Pillich | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the 28th district |
|
| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office January 5, 2009 |
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| Preceded by | Andrew Ciarfardini |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 7, 1960 Buffalo, New York |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residence | Montgomery, Ohio |
| Alma mater | University of Oklahoma, University of North Dakota, University of Cincinnati |
| Profession | Attorney |
| Religion | Catholic |
Connie Pillich is a Democratic member of the Ohio House of Representatives, representing the 28th District since 2009.
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After graduating from the University of Cincinnati in law, Pillich opened her own law firm, Webb & Pillich, LLC. Prior, she had a career in the United States Air Force, serving in support of Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield.
Pillich first aimed to oust incumbent Jim Raussen in the 2006 elections, where despite a large Republican index, the race was expected to be competitive.[1] However, Raussen edged Pillich to keep his seat, by only 1,592 votes.[2]
Pillich tried again against Raussen in 2008. However, in a surprise move, Governor Ted Strickland appointed Raussen to a post in the Department of Development only a few months out from the election. The departure of Raussen from the election left Republicans scrambling, and improved Pillich's chances of taking the seat.[3] Many names came up as potential candidates, including former Ohio Senate President Richard Finan. In the end, Hamilton County Republicans chose Virgil Lovitt to run against Pillich.[4] This time, riding a Democratic wave, Pillich defeated Lovitt by 5,500 votes.[5] In Pillich's first term, Speaker of the House Armond Budish appointed her as Vice Chair of the House Criminal Justice Committee; as well as to Veterans Affairs; Public Utilities; Financial Institutions, Real Estate and Securities; and Alternative Energy Committees.
In her first reelection campaign in 2010, Pillich faced Republican, and Tea Party activist Mike Wilson and a Libertarian candidate.[6] On election night, the race proved to be the closest in Ohio for 2010, with Pillich leading Wilson by just five votes, triggering an automatic recount of ballots.[7] After all ballots were counted however, Pillich had won by about 600 votes.[8] She serves as ranking member of the Veterans Affairs Committee; and on the committees of Financial Institutions, Housing, and Urban Development; and Criminal Justice. She also is serving as Secretary of the Ohio House Democratic Women's Caucus,[9] and is a member of the Military Activation Task Force; the State Council on Educational Opportunities for Military Children; and the Clean Ohio Council.
Early in her second term, Pillich cosponsored a bill that would provide tax credits to businesses that increase their payrolls and expand into vacant facilities.[10]