U.S. Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio

Retiring U.S. Sen. George Voinovch, R-Ohio, voted in favor of repealing "don't ask, don't tell," differing from Republicans and joining Democrats to repeal the ban, which President Barack Obama is expected to sign into law next week.

From The Associated Press:

"The repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell' will be implemented in a common sense way," said Sen. George Voinovich R-Ohio."Our military leaders have assured Congress that our troops will engage in training and address relevant issues before instituting this policy change."

Read more details on the legislation (and the bill in full) here. See how all U.S. senators voted here.


-- Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com

I was somewhat surprised to see that both Ohio Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher and Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner have now decided to run in a Democratic primary in 2010 for U.S. Senate.

They are seeking to replace Republican Sen. George V. Voinovich who said he won't seek re-election and plans to retire to spend more time with his family.

Perhaps Fisher and Brunner feel they can make a difference in Washington serving loftier goals and, for now, are throwing their names into the hat to see what may happen.

Keep in mind a win comes with a 6-year term, two years longer than their current office. Running once every six years would be a lot easier than running once every four.

Both Democratic candidates are probably more well-known statewide at this point, than former U.S. Rep. Rob Portman, who is the only announced candidate on the Republican side.

My guess, as of now, is there won't be more than one Republican candidate. One reason is that I wonder, in this economy, whether there is enough money to spread around?

If there is another Republican candidate forcing a contested primary (perhaps state Auditor Mary Taylor?), I look for both Fisher and Brunner to stay in the Democratic race to the end.

But if there is just one Republican showing interest, I'll watch for Fisher or Brunner to possibly drop their Senate bid and seek re-election to their current office.


-- John Arthur Hutchison

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, has been appointed to the Senate Ethics Committee.

The appointment was made by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.

"This appointment is a great honor and even greater responsibility," said Brown. "I will work with my colleagues to ensure that the Senate has the highest standards of accountability and oversight."

The Select Committee on Ethics is comprised of six senators divided evenly by party. The committee is tasked with ensuring ethical behavior among Senators and compliance with the U.S. Senate Code of Conduct.

"Sherrod Brown is not only a good Senator, he is a good man who consistently demonstrates sound judgment," Reid said. "His leadership on the Ethics Committee will benefit the entire Senate, and I wish him all the best in this new role."

With all the talk during last year's campaign season about cleaning up corruption in Washington, let's see what kind of impact Brown will have on this committee and what impact the committee as a whole will have.

-- John Arthur Hutchison