One of the most successful and longest-serving Republican party chairmen in Ohio could return to the job.
Franklin County GOP chairman Doug Preisse (PRY'-se) said Thursday that Bob Bennett has indicated a willingness to take over for Ohio Republican Party chairman Kevin DeWine.
DeWine announced Wednesday night that he's leaving his post April 13, when a successor will be elected.
DeWine's decision comes as allies of Republican Gov. John Kasich (KAY'-sihk) had recruited a slate of challengers to the party's governing body, who they had believed would support DeWine's ouster.
Preisse, a Kasich ally, says Bennett is best equipped to immediately take over the reins ahead of the fall presidential election.
A message seeking comment was left for Bennett.
Bennett served as Ohio's GOP chairman from 1988 until 2009.