SOMERSET, Ohio — One day after Larry Householder was expelled from the Ohio House of Representatives his constituents spoke out on the issue.
As Householder walked out of House Chambers on Thursday after being kicked out of office by his peers, he had one overarching message about his expulsion.
"They've taken away the vote of the 72nd House District," said Householder.
Householder was referring to voters in his district, which includes Coshocton, Licking and Perry counties, re-electing him in November despite knowing about the federal racketeering charges he faces.
"I was a strong leader,” Householder said. “I was a strong representative and I was a very strong voice and what gave me the ability to do those things was they had my back. They've always had my back and I've always had theirs.”
The sentiment was not universally shared by constituents who spoke with Spectrum News on Thursday. Some who said they voted and support Householder did not want to go on camera.
Others, like Randy Lawrence of Junction City had no issue.
"Our district disapproved. I know I did," said Lawrence.
Lawrence, a neighbor of the Householders, said while he is sympathetic about Householder's expulsion, he does not see how anyone could have voted for Householder.
"What he's accused of is the single most heinous thing a politician can be accused of in doing his or her work," Lawrence said.
Down the street at Katz Kupcakes and Bakery, owner Kathy Mertens said she was not totally surprised Householder was forced out, considering the racketeering allegations. She also said she believes his re-election should not be taken at face value.
"I just think people didn't realize that they didn't have to vote,” Mertens said. “I voted for him the first time around, but again, I thought he's under investigation. Why would I put somebody back in office until it had been settled?”
Householder's fate is still up in the air and the 72nd House District is now without state representation. Householder has said his political career is not over but that all depends on how his court case plays out.
Should he be cleared, George and Amy Eisenbach are split on if they would vote for him in the future.
"I would as a Republican voter, I would consider voting for him again," said George.
"These are serious charges and that's not the way I believe politics should work. I wouldn't vote for him again," said Amy.