Minority Leader Capri Cafaro has announced that candidates who are seeking appointment to replace Roberts will be accepted through the county Democratic chairmen by March 13.

After all applications collected, the leadership team will interview and screen candidates during the week of March 16.

Leaders are then expected to recommend a candidate for appointment and the person selected would face a vote of the full caucus.

Roberts said last week that after 20 years in the legislature he was leaving the senate to take a job on the Ohio Civil Rights Commission.

He begins his new job in early March.

Former State Rep. Fred Strahorn of Dayton is considered to be the front-runner for the Senate seat.

Roberts has endorsed Strahorn, although the final selection is up to the Senate caucus.

jim.otte@whiotv.com