Ohio Senators Essay, Research Paper

Ohio, as does every other state in the U.S., has two senators. These two senators are Mike DeWine and George V. Voinovich. In the following, I will try to give some background and political information on thses fine gentalmen. Let’s first begin with DeWine, shall we?

Mike DeWine was born on January 5, 1947 in the town of Springfield, Ohio. He is a graduate of Yellow Springs High School and a college graduate He has also recieved many awards over the years including: Donald Santarelli Award for Public Policy for writing the Child Victims’ Bill of Rights, presented by the National Organization of Victim Assistance. National Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Award for leadership in the fight against drunk driving.

DeWine wrote legislation, approved by the 100th Congress, allowing federal judges to impose all state law restrictions against persons convicted of drunk driving on federal land. DeWine also wrote Ohio’s drunk driving law in 1982, the toughest in the land, while serving in the Ohio Senate. “Watchdog of the Treasury” Award for his efforts to cut federal spending, eliminate waste, and reduce the deficit, presented by the National Taxpayers Union. “Spirit of Enterprise” Award for his strong bro-business voting record, presented by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

“Guardian of Small Business” Award eight-time winner for voting in support of small business,

presented by the National Federation of Independent Business. National Security Leadership Award for strong pro-defense voting record, presented by the American Security Council. Golden Eagle Award for strong pro-defense voting record, presented by the Council for

National Defense. The Dr. Nathan Davis Award , presented by the American Medical Association, for DeWine’s efforts to improve pediatric medical research and other health care measures for children.

His services to the state of Ohio are as follows: Member of the Judiciary Committee, Chairman of Subcommittee on Anti-Trust, Business

Rights and Competiton, Member of the Health Education Labor and Pensions Committee

Chairman of Subcommittee on Aging, Member Subcommitte on Children and Families

Member of the Intelligence Committee, 1991-1994 59th Lieutenant Governor of Ohio,

Spearheaded Administration’s anti-crime and anti-drug efforts in Ohio. Oversaw the seven state agencies that deal, with criminal justice issues, Adjutant General (National Guard), Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services, Governor’s Office of Criminal Justice Services, Department of Highway Safety (including State Highway Patrol), Department of Liquor Control, Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, Department of Youth Services, Chairman, State and Local Government Commission, Responsible for Ohio’s Washington, D.C. office, 1983-1990 U.S. Representative (Republican-Ohio) 7th District; four terms, Member of the Judiciary Committee, Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Member of the National Commission of Drug Free Schools; Wrote the Child Victim’s Bill of Rights, which was signed into law in 1990.

1988, Member of the House Drug Task Force; helped write sections of the 1988 anti-drug bill

1987, Member of the House Select Iran-Contra Investigation Committee 1986, House “manager” in the impeachment trial of U.S. District Judge Harry Claiborne 1986, One of the lead sponsors for the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), 1981-1982 State Senator (R-Ohio) 10th District, Wrote Ohio’s mandatory sentencing law for repeat and violent offenders (SB 199) 1982, wrote Ohio’s tough drunk driving law (SB 432) 1977-1981 Greene County Prosecuting Attorney, Concentrated efforts on prosecuting rape cases, Significantly reduced plea bargaining, Established Child Support Enforcement Unit, Established Welfare Fraud Unit, and successfully prosecuted 98 percent of drug trafficking cases he litigated.1973-1975 Greene County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney.

George V. Voinovich was Born in Cleveland, Ohio on July 15, 1936. He was a graduate from Ohio University in 1958 and recieved a Bachelor of Arts in Government and he was also a graduate from Ohio State University, College Of Law 1961, where he received his Juris Doctor. George has served as Ohio’s governor, lieutenant-governor, and mayor of Cleveland. The following will give a break down of his career thus far:

Committee and Subcommittee assignments:

Committee on Environment and Public Works

Chairman Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure

Subcommittee on Clean Air, Wetlands, Private Property & Nuclear Safety

Committee on Government Affairs

Chairman Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, Restructuring and the District of Colombia

Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations

Committee on Small Business

• Select Committee on Ethics

1991 – 1998 65th Governor of Ohio

Chairman, National Governors’ Association (NGA) – 1997 – 98

Chairman, Republican Governors Association – 1992 – 93

Chairman, Council of Great Lakes Governors – 1992 – 94

Chairman, Midwestern Governors Conference – 1992

Chairman, Jobs for America’s Graduates Program – 1995 – 97

Vice Chairman, NGA – 1996 – 97

Member, NGA Executive Committee – 1993 – 98

CoLead Governor for Federalism, NGA – 1993 – 95

Co-Chairman, NGA Task Force on Education – 1992 – 93

Chairman, NGA Education Action Team on

School Readiness – 1991 – 92

Chairman, NGA Child Support Enforcement

Work Group – 1991 – 92

Vice Chair, NGA Committee on Criminal Justice

and Public Safety – 1991 – 92

Member, NGA Committee on Human Resources – 1991 – 98

1979 – 1989 Mayor, City of Cleveland, Ohio

Trustee, U.S. Conference of Mayors

President, National League of Cities – 1985

Board Member, National League of Cities – 1981 – 89

1979 Lieutenant Governor, State of Ohio

1977 – 1978 Cuyahoga County Commissioner

1971 – 1976 Cuyahoga County Auditor

1967 -1971 Member, Ohio House of Representatives

1963 Assistant Attorney General, State of Ohio.

As you can see, Voinovich has played a very active role in Ohio’s government and he continues this today.