Rep. Bob Cupp (R-Lima) has been selected to replace Larry Householder (R-Glenford) as Ohio’s new Speaker of the House.
After being charged with participating in a $60 million corruption scandal, Householder was removed in a 90-0 vote. Householder, who is accused of being part of a “racketeering conspiracy involving a 2019 nuclear power plant bailout bill” faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
A closed-door vote saw Cupp defeating Rep. Jim Butler (R-Dayton) by a single vote. After securing the nomination, Cupp was elected by a wide margin 55-38. Cupp won all but two Republicans, according to The Toledo Blade.
Cupp, a former four-term state senator, has served in the house since 2015, which means he will be forced out in 2022 due to term limits. In the past, the new Speaker of the House served as a Lima City prosecutor from 1976 to 1980 and on the Ohio Supreme Court from 1985 to 2000.
After Cupp won the speakership position, Republican Leadership throughout the state praised the decision.
Governor Mike Dewine released a statement, “I congratulate Bob Cupp upon his election as the new Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives. Speaker Cupp is a man of integrity who will serve Ohio well. I look forward to working with Speaker Cupp and Senate President Obhof in the days ahead.”
Lt. Governor Jon Husted took to twitter to praise the win, calling Cupp an “excellent choice.”
“His character is well known and his selection as Speaker is an excellent choice. I am confident he will lead the House with integrity and I look forward to working with him in his new role.”
— Lt. Governor Jon Husted (@LtGovHusted) July 30, 2020
Attorney General Dave Yost called Cupp “The last boy scout” saying “he will be a good speaker.”
Bob Cupp, the last Boy Scout… I worked with him daily for two years. He is ethical, smart, wise (and decidedly not afraid to tell the boss that he’s wrong!)
Never confuse his gentle demeanor with a lack of toughness. He will be a good Speaker. https://t.co/UJrJYqcgpC
— Attorney General Dave Yost (@DaveYostOH) July 30, 2020
House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes was not optimistic about the results stating simply “we don’t trust any of them.”
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Ben Kolodny is a reporter at The Ohio Star and the Star News Network. You can follow Ben on Twitter. Tips can be sent to [email protected].
Background Photo “Ohio House of Representatives Chamber” by Bestbudbrian. CC BY-SA 3.0.
