COLUMBUS, Ohio — Sources said a vote will be held Thursday to remove Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder from his position.
Last week, a long list of public officials including Gov. Mike DeWine called for Householder to resign after the speaker was arrested on bribery charges. But Householder said he’s not going anywhere.
There are still legal questions left unanswered about how to oust Householder as Speaker though it is clear government leaders on both sides want him gone. Sources said the House Republican Caucus met Tuesday with Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost to further address those questions. Representative Rick Carfagna (R-68th District) said Householder could either be removed as Speaker or all together if he does not resign.
“I think he should leave, and I think that he should probably be removed from office entirely, but I just don’t know how prevailing that sentiment is,” said Carfagna.
The House would need a minimum of 50 votes to remove Householder.
Sources also said should that happen, there are five names on the shortlist to replace Householder: Speaker Pro Tempore Jim Butler (R-41st District), Representatives Rick Carfagna and Robert Cupp (R-4th District). A source said those three are “major contenders.” The other two are Representatives Craig Riedel (R-82nd District) and Timothy Ginter (R-5th District). Carfagna and Riedel confirmed the news and described why they would be the right choice.
“I’m unique in that I did not support Mr. Householder for Speaker. I did not take any money from FirstEnergy or from Mr. Householder or from this Generation Now fund that is talked about in the affidavit and I also voted against House Bill 6,” said Carfagna.
“I do feel in the short time, the four years that I’ve been in the General Assembly, that I have been able to earn the respect of my peers and my teammates that I work with and I feel very good about my chances,” said Riedel.
One thing Carfagna and Riedel agree on is clearing the entire current leadership team is the only way to regain public trust in the Ohio House of Representatives.
“It’s critical regardless of whoever holds the gavel. One person alone is not going to be able to elevate the institution entirely on their shoulders,” said Carfagna.
“The most important thing, starting with this new Speaker, this individual, this person, has to have impeccable, absolutely impeccable character and integrity. I still sense we’re somewhat of a divided caucus so it’s really gonna take a lot of work,” said Riedel.
Ohio’s Constitution gives DeWine the right to call the House into session and have one member make a motion to remove another member from office. Both Carfagna and Riedel said that is an option.
However, Carfagna said he hopes the House can come together and address this on their own.
The House is not technically due back in session until mid-November, however, they do have dates on the calendar as an as needed basis in mid-September.
There is also the chance a vote could be called beforehand given the circumstances.
