Cincinnati City Council member Cecil Thomas, who can't run for re-election this year because of the city's term limits law, told WVXU this morning he plans to leave council "within a month or two" and wants his wife, Pam Thomas, appointed to replace him.
"If (Pam Thomas) wants it, I would absolutely back that,'' said Thomas, a Democrat and former Cincinnati police officer.
Pam Thomas ran for Hamilton County clerk of courts last fall, winning 48 percent of the vote against Republican incumbent Tracy Winkler. She won the city vote overwhelmingly.
Thomas said the thought of running for mayor in 2013 has "crossed my mind; and a lot of people have talked to me about it."
But Thomas said he is more seriously considering a run in 2014 for the 9th Ohio Senate District seat of State Sen. Eric Kearney, who is prevented by term limits from running for re-election. Kearney is now the Senate minority leader.
Every city council member, when he or she takes office, signs a certificate designating who would name his or her replacement if he or she left office early. In Thomas' case, the certificate names fellow Democrats Wendell Young and Yvette Simpson.
