Ohio: Jean Schmidt

Butler County Sheriff Richard K. Jones, who has developed an enthusiastic conservative following for his crusade against local companies hiring illegal immigrants, reportedly is forming an exploratory committee as a first step to running against Boehner of West Chester.

"I can tell you he's serious about it," said Butler County Chief Deputy Anthony Dwyer. "In the not-too-distant future, he'll probably make a decision."

Although Boehner would be a heavy favorite to win a primary, a challenge by Jones would force Boehner to pour money into winning re-election instead of devoting his efforts to helping Republican candidates across the country.

"John will win, but it will be nasty," said Barry Bennett, chief of staff to Rep.

"As I think everybody here will agree, this is only the first step," Obama said of the bill that reauthorizes the State Children's Health Insurance Program.

"Because the way I see it, providing coverage to 11 million children through CHIP is a down payment on my commitment to cover every single American," he said.

Obama held the ebullient East Room signing ceremony a day after admitting that he "screwed up" in naming former Sen. Tom Daschle to spearhead his health-care overhaul.

The president wrapped the signing event in another pitch for his separate $819 billion economic plan that now is under consideration in the Senate and faces Republican opposition.

U.S. Reps. Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland) and Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) gave their reasons for voting against legislation passed in the U.S. House that seeks to give $14 billion in bridge loans to companies of the American auto industry.

 "The auto industry is a critical segment of our nation's economy, especially in Ohio," Latta said. "During the testimony from the ‘Detroit 3' and the drafting of this legislation, important questions remain unanswered that put the American taxpayer at serious risk."

U.S. Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland) already took on tarmac delays on domestic flights with legislation in the U.S. Congress. Now, Schmidt is expressing outrage at news reports of a diverted international flight sitting on the tarmac in California for 9 hours with passengers on board.

Schmidt promises to draft similar legislation for foreign carriers. 

"Obviously some diversions and delays are going to be a part of the system and unavoidable," said Schmidt. "But it is outrageous to trap passengers sitting on the tarmac for nine hours."