Connie Pillich
| Connie Pillich | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the 28th district |
|
| In office January 5, 2009 – December 31, 2014 |
|
| Preceded by | Andrew Ciarfardini |
| Succeeded by | Jonathan Dever |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 7, 1960 Buffalo, New York |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residence | Montgomery, Ohio |
| Alma mater | University of Oklahoma, University of North Dakota, University of Cincinnati |
| Profession | Attorney |
| Religion | Catholic |
Connie Pillich is a former Democratic member of the Ohio House of Representatives, representing the 28th District since 2009. She was the Democratic candidate for Ohio State Treasurer in 2014.[1]
Career[edit]
After graduating from the University of Cincinnati in law, Pillich opened her own law firm, Webb & Pillich, LLC. Prior, she had a career in the United States Air Force, serving in support of Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield.
Ohio House of Representatives[edit]
Pillich first aimed to oust incumbent Jim Raussen in the 2006 elections, where despite a large Republican index, the race was expected to be competitive.[2] However, Raussen edged Pillich to keep his seat, by only 1,592 votes.[3]
Pillich tried again against Raussen in 2008. However, in a surprise move, Governor Ted Strickland appointed Raussen to a post in the Department of Development only a few months out from the election. The departure of Raussen from the election left Republicans scrambling, and improved Pillich's chances of taking the seat.[4] Many names came up as potential candidates, including former Ohio Senate President Richard Finan. In the end, Hamilton County Republicans chose Virgil Lovitt to run against Pillich.[5] This time, riding a Democratic wave, Pillich defeated Lovitt by 5,500 votes.[6] In Pillich's first term, Speaker of the House Armond Budish appointed her as Vice Chair of the House Criminal Justice Committee; as well as to Veterans Affairs; Public Utilities; Financial Institutions, Real Estate and Securities; and Alternative Energy Committees.
In her first reelection campaign in 2010, Pillich faced Republican, and Tea Party activist Mike Wilson and a Libertarian candidate.[7] On election night, the race proved to be the closest in Ohio for 2010, with Pillich leading Wilson by just five votes, triggering an automatic recount of ballots.[8] After all ballots were counted however, Pillich had won by about 600 votes.[9] She serves as ranking member of the Veterans Affairs Committee; and on the committees of Financial Institutions, Housing, and Urban Development; Public Utilities; and Criminal Justice. She also is serving as Secretary of the Ohio House Democratic Women's Caucus,[10] and is a member of the Military Activation Task Force; the State Council on Educational Opportunities for Military Children; the Family Violence Prevention Council Advisory Board; and the Clean Ohio Council.
Early in her second term, Pillich cosponsored a bill that would provide tax credits to businesses that increase their payrolls and expand into vacant facilities.[11]
In November 2012, Pillich was elected to a third term, despite redistricting viewed as unfavorable to her chances.[12] She garnered 51.68% of the vote, defeating Republican Mike Wilson (43.95%) and Libertarian Robert R. Ryan (4.37%).[13]
Pillich ran unsuccessfully for Treasurer of Ohio in 2014.[14]
References[edit]
- ^ "Montgomery’s Rep. Pillich to run for Ohio treasurer". Cincinnati.com. May 20, 2013. Retrieved May 25, 2013.
- ^ Reisinger, Justine (October 18, 2006). "News: Close Race in the Northern Burbs". CityBeat. Retrieved March 24, 2011.
- ^ Blackwell, Kenneth 2006 general election results (November 7, 2006)
- ^ Strickland's savvy moves could help Dem's win House
- ^ "OH House-28: GOP to Run Lovitt Against Pillich". Ohio Capitol Blog. August 14, 2008. Retrieved March 24, 2011.
- ^ Brunner, Jennifer 2008 general election results (November 4, 2008)
- ^ Mike Wilson/Connie Pillich battle makes Time
- ^ "Wilson, Pillich separated by five votes". Cincinnati Enquirer. November 3, 2010. Retrieved March 24, 2011.
- ^ Brunner, Jennifer 2010 general election results (November 2, 2010)
- ^ Ohio House Democratic Women’s Caucus Names Leadership Team
- ^ Ohio House lays out priorities
- ^ Weingartner, Tana (November 7, 2012). "Pillich tops Wilson in OH House race". WVXU. Retrieved November 7, 2012.
- ^ "November 6, 2012 General Election Unofficial Results" (PDF). Hamilton County, Ohio, Board of Elections. November 7, 2012. Retrieved November 7, 2012.
- ^ "Montgomery’s Rep. Pillich to run for Ohio treasurer". Cincinnati.com. May 20, 2013. Retrieved May 25, 2013.
