Jennette Bradley has blazed yet another trail. As Gov. Bob Taft’s running mate in his successful re-election campaign, Bradley – the first black woman to win a seat on Columbus City Council in 1991 – will become the first black woman to serve as lieutenant governor in the nation.
According to The Associated Press, Bradley said her ascent to the lieutenant governor’s seat is evidence that equality is alive and well in her home state.
“Ohio is a wonderful state where people can rise to the level of their competency and achieve and not be limited by artificial barriers,” she said. “I hope it sends a message around the country: ‘Come here, because you can really achieve success in this great state.'”
Last month, BET.com rated Bradley’s hometown of Columbus as America’s best city for black families. The rankings were based on a six-month study of quality of life for blacks in American cities.
Bradley, who is serving her third consecutive term on city council, is also a senior vice president for Huntington National Bank. The Associated Press reported Bradley intends to surrender this position prior to the gubernatorial inauguration in January.
Although the position of lieutenant governor gives no official power to Bradley other than assuming the role of governor if Taft is unable to perform his duties, over the past two decades, lieutenant governors have traditionally filled a cabinet position.
Bradley’s election also has consequences for Columbus City Council, because it occurred three years into her four-year term. Bradley, the only Republican on the seven-member council, will be replaced by someone who will finish out her term.
Dan Trevas, spokesman for city council, said the council is accepting applications until Nov. 27 from those interested in filling Bradley’s vacant seat.
“The members of council themselves will vote on the replacement,” he said, though it is still uncertain when the decision will be made. Trevas said there are no front-runners for the position as of yet.
The possibility remains that Bradley’s seat may be filled by a Democrat, giving the party unanimity on city council.
Trevas said a council devoid of Republican representation is a moot concern, because partisan ideologies usually do not interfere with the council’s proceedings.
“The issues don’t break down along party lines,” he said. “We had a very high rate of unanimous votes.”
Trevas said the council was ultimately concerned with choosing the best possible candidate, regardless of party affiliation.
Despite its largely non-partisan nature, Jason Mauk, spokesman for the Ohio Republican Party, said his party wants to keep its presence on the council.
“Jennette Bradley’s constituents elected a Republican to represent them,” he said.
He hopes the selection committee will respect her constituents’ views and consult them about her replacement.
John Pritchard, political director for the Franklin County Republican Party, said although the party would like to retain hold of its council seat, it has not encouraged members to apply for the vacant position.
“We are not in the business of finding a replacement for Jennette,” he said. “It’s just not right to proffer potential candidates for a position before the one holding it has moved on.”
