Gov. Ted Strickland appointed State Sen. Kimberly Zurz to head the Ohio Department of Commerce, and her replacement in the Senate will be selected from the Portage and Summit County Democratic parties.

The Portage County Democratic Party is having a central committee meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Italian American Club in Ravenna to discuss up to three recommendations to send to the Ohio State Democratic Caucus, said Sandy Halem, second vice chairperson.

State Rep. Kathleen Chandler sought the position in 1994 against Leigh Herington, and Portage County Commissioner Chuck Keiper sought the position in 2003 against Zurz.

Chandler said she is planning to ask for the appointment, and Keiper did not return any messages.

– Erica Crist