News Summary

HAMILTON — Voters in the 54th District will choose between an incumbent with years of political experience and a challenger who wants to change the status quo in the Ohio House of Representatives.

State Rep. Courtney E. Combs, R-Hamilton, is in his second term and is running against Democrat Ken Keith.

Keith, 66, a self-styled "working-class businessman" who lives in Lindenwald, criticized his opponent for going after the Butler County auditor's position when it became available earlier this year.

"Combs was ready to jump ship in the middle of his term. Is that someone you want in the office?" asked Keith, who lost previous bids for Hamilton City Council last November and against Combs for the 54th District seat in 2006.

Combs, 63, a former Hamilton councilman and Butler County commissioner, said he offered to fill the vacancy left by Kay Rogers' resignation after being asked to consider it by Republican Party leaders who wanted to keep one of their own in the auditor's office. Combs said he had no intention of leaving the Statehouse early and his main goal is to stay in office until term limits kick in.

Both candidates list creating jobs at the top on their priority lists.

During his years of service at the county level and in Columbus, Combs said Butler County has emerged as a leader in the state in growth and job opportunities.

Combs said his experience in politics makes him a better candidate than Keith.

"At this point in time, it's very essential to have people in public office that can point to their record and show what has effectively been done," Combs said.

Combs said he's working on legislation that would lower property taxes by dropping the value on owner-occupied homes by 10 percent. He said he's also working to pass a bill that would generate funds for veterans through the Thank You Foundation.

Keith said the "energy crisis is a golden opportunity" for job growth. More jobs are also possible, Keith said, by investing in the state's infrastructure — rebuilding roads, bridges, and water and sewer systems, as well as wiring rural areas for Internet.

"We have to get people into gainful employment. Then we'll have the revenue to do the things we want to do," Keith said.

Keith said he would push for legislation that uses the best available technology — like solar and wind energy and alternative fuel sources — to provide more affordable and environmentally-friendly energy resources for Ohioans.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2122 or rwilson@coxohio.com.