Democrats in Ohio Legislature re-elect leaders

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Democratic state lawmakers are sticking with the same leaders when the newly elected Ohio General Assembly begins meeting next year.

State Sen. Eric Kearney of Cincinnati will remain the minority leader in the Senate, while state Rep. Armond Budish of Beachwood will lead the House Democratic caucus.

Re-joining Kearney on the Senate leadership team are Sens. Joe Schiavoni of Boardman, Nina Turner of Cleveland and Edna Brown of Toledo.

The House caucus also re-elected Reps. Matt Szollosi of Toledo, Tracy Maxwell Heard of Columbus and Debbie Phillips of Albany to its leadership.

Republicans, who hold majorities in both chambers, have yet to select their leadership teams.

Senate Republicans planned to vote on a new president next week since current Senate President Tom Niehaus is term-limited.