COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Sen. George Voinovich of Ohio will not seek re-election in 2010. Voinovich said in a statement Monday that the challenges facing the state and country will require him to devote all of his energy to serving out his current term and that campaigning and fundraising would take time away from his work as a senator. Voinovich, 72, also said he wants to spend more time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He becomes the fourth Republican to make departure plans since the Democratic landslide in the fall election. The decision sets in motion a jockeying among big names in both parties to replace Ohio's senior senator.
Jo Ingles is a professional journalist who covers politics and Ohio government for the Ohio Public Radio and Television for the Ohio Public Radio and Television Statehouse News Bureau. She reports on issues of importance to Ohioans including education, legislation, politics, and life and death issues such as capital punishment.