State Rep. Ted Celeste (D-Grandview Heights) spoke briefly to PolitickerOH.com about the House leadership race he's involved in with state Rep. Armond Budish (D-Beachwood).

Two weeks ago, Ohio Democratic Party Chair Chris Redfern publically endorsed Budish for caucus leader, which led to Franklin Co. Democratic Party Chair Bill Anthony to repudiate Redfern in a public statement.

Celeste was asked what he thought about Redfern's power play inside the leadership race.

"You know, Chris is the chairman of the party. He's trying to do whatever he can to raise as much money, and he's going to focus on that and that's his role. But he's not going to be a member of our caucus when we vote, and that's the reality of the situation. I feel like it was inappropriate for him to be making that comment about ‘this is a done deal' because it's not a done deal until we take a vote," Celeste said.

Celeste said he expects the party to focus on winning the election over the next few months.

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