By Stephanie Warsmith of the Akron Beacon Journal

Worried that a long wait on Election Day might prevent her from voting for the first time, Joelle Diane Baker went to the Summit County elections board early — the day before the March election — to vote absentee. Full Article.

From the Youngstown Vindicator

When Gov. Ted Strickland listed “maturity” as one of the qualities he was looking for in the successor to former embattled Attorney General Marc Dann, the message was clear: The state of Ohio needs a grown up as its chief lawyer. Full Article.

By Laura A. Bischoff and Jessica Wehrman of the Dayton Daily News

Now that Marc Dann is no longer in office, Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner says he should repay some of the money for the security system he bought with campaign money for his Youngstown home. Full Article.

By Jon Craig of the Cincinnati Enquirer

Next Friday, more than 80 women from across Ohio will attend The White House Project’s Go Run political training program in Columbus. Full Article.

By Aaron Marshall of the Cleveland Plain Dealer

A deal to pass an eight-state compact that would protect Great Lakes water imploded Thursday as House Democrats blocked a constitutional amendment Republicans wanted to ensure the agreement wouldn't hurt private property rights. Full Article.

By William Hershey of the Dayton Daily News

The House has given final legislative approval to a $1.57 billion bipartisan economic stimulus plan that now goes to Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland for his consideration. Full Article.

By Jim Siegel of the Columbus Dispatch

A $1.6 billion economic-stimulus bill that Gov. Ted Strickland hopes will create 57,000 jobs in Ohio passed its final legislative hurdle yesterday, though a controversial anti-cloning provision probably won't survive. Full Article.

By Jim Siegel of the Columbus Dispatch

More than 4,100 vacant residential properties stain the landscape across Columbus, but city officials hope a bill passed by the Ohio Senate yesterday will help them get those buildings into the hands of new owners. Full Article.

From the Associated Press

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush said self-government, higher education and strong families are the key to effectively meeting the needs of U.S. citizens as he spoke at a scholarship fundraiser in central Ohio. Full Article.

By Stephanie Warsmith and Dennis Willard of the Akron Beacon Journal

Former state Rep. John Widowfield, who resigned from the Ohio House of Representatives on Wednesday, plans to withdraw from running for Summit County Council this fall. Full Article.