Connie Pillich

Connie Pillich is a former Democratic member of the Ohio House of Representatives, representing the 28th District since 2009. She was the Democratic candidate for Ohio State Treasurer in 2014.

Career

After graduating from the University of Cincinnati in law, Pillich opened her own law firm, Webb & Pillich, LLC. Prior, she had a career in the United States Air Force, serving in support of Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield.

Ohio House of Representatives

Pillich first aimed to oust incumbent Jim Raussen in the 2006 elections, where despite a large Republican index, the race was expected to be competitive. However, Raussen edged Pillich to keep his seat, by only 1,592 votes.

Pillich tried again against Raussen in 2008. However, in a surprise move, Governor Ted Strickland appointed Raussen to a post in the Department of Development only a few months out from the election. The departure of Raussen from the election left Republicans scrambling, and improved Pillich's chances of taking the seat. Many names came up as potential candidates, including former Ohio Senate President Richard Finan. In the end, Hamilton County Republicans chose Virgil Lovitt to run against Pillich. This time, riding a Democratic wave, Pillich defeated Lovitt by 5,500 votes. In Pillich's first term, Speaker of the House Armond Budish appointed her as Vice Chair of the House Criminal Justice Committee; as well as to Veterans Affairs; Public Utilities; Financial Institutions, Real Estate and Securities; and Alternative Energy Committees.