| Randy Gardner | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the 6th district |
|
| Incumbent | |
| Assumed office January 10, 2008 |
|
| Preceded by | Bob Latta |
| In office November 15, 1985-December 31, 2000 |
|
| Preceded by | Robert Brown |
| Succeeded by | Bob Latta |
| Member of the Ohio Senate from the 2nd district |
|
| In office January 3, 2001-January 9, 2008 |
|
| Preceded by | Bob Latta |
| Succeeded by | Mark Wagoner |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 20, 1958 Bowling Green, Ohio |
| Political party | Republican |
| Residence | Bowling Green, Ohio |
| Alma mater | Bowling Green State University |
| Profession | Realtor, Educator, Politician |
| Religion | Lutheran |
Randall L. Gardner (born August 20, 1958) is an American politician, currently a Republican member of the Ohio House of Representatives, representing the 6th District since 2008. He formerly held the same seat from 1985 to 2000, and was a member of the Ohio Senate from 2001 to 2008. Gardner is currently the chairman of the Higher Education Subcommittee of the House Finance and Appropriations Committee.
Contents |
Gardner first entered Ohio politics in 1985, when he was appointed to a seat vacated by former State Representative Robert Brown. He went on to serve 7 more full terms in the House, until being term limited in 2000.
With State Senator Bob Latta not running for reelection to his seat, Gardner decided to run in 2000. He did, and in 2001, took his seat in the upper chamber. He quickly rose in the ranks, and served as President Pro-Tempore for the 125th General Assembly. In 2004, he faced weak opposition, and once again won his Senate bid. He served as Majority Leader for the 126th General Assembly and the 127th General Assembly.
With then-Senate President Doug White facing term limits, Gardner and Senator Jeff Jacobson were looked at as two potential successors. However, by the end of 2003, Gardner had withdrew as a candidate, citing the desire to eliminate uncertainty in the caucus.[1] Soon after, Jacobson in early 2004 became associated with a lobbying scandal, and Gardner once again emerged as a potential contender. In late Summer 2004, he once again withdrew, and gave his support to Bill Harris, who went on to become President.
Gardner made it evident half way through 2007 that he intended to run for his old House seat in 2008, when he faced term limits in the Senate. However, when Congressman Paul Gillmor was found dead in his Washington D.C. area apartment, Gardner was mentioned as a potential successor, but on September 17, 2007, Gardner stated he was staying in the state legislature.[2] When Bob Latta ended up winning the Congressional race to succeed Gillmor, Latta's 6th District Ohio House seat became vacant. Gardner therefore resigned his Senate seat and was appointed early to the seat he was running for in the fall. He was subsequently placed as Ranking Member of the Higher Education Subcommittee of the Finance Committee.
Gardner was sworn into office for an eleventh term on January 3, 2011.[3] With Republicans now in the majority, Gardner was tabbed to create the new House rules. He also will serve as Chairman of the Higher Education Subcommittee of the Finance and Appropriations Committee in the new General Assembly, as well as a member of the Health and Aging Committee, and the State Government and Elections Committee. Speaker of the House William G. Batchelder has also named Gardner as a member of the Republican majority caucus' Policy Committee.[4] He also serves on the Rules Advisory Committee; and the Midwestern Higher Education Commission.