Ohio Senate President Appoints New COS; Mauk Gets New Gig

Republican Ohio Senate President Larry Obhof has named a former chief legal counsel as the caucus' next chief of staff. John Barron currently serves as deputy executive director and general counsel to the Ohio Casino Control Commission. He takes over for the outgoing Jason Mauk on December 18.  Barron has held previous jobs with the governor, lieutenant governor and the Ohio Department of Development. Obhof says Barron is respected for his strategic skills and steady temperament, and his previous work in the Senate makes him familiar to many in the chamber. Mauk is moving to Senate Republicans' campaign operation.