was paired with Petro, who was running for governor.) Some argued that Padgett was subject to another law—a provision put into the state's budget bill in 2005 by Republicans. That provision (ORC section 3513.052(B)) prevents someone from running for office "if that person, for the same election, has already filed a declaration of candidacy, a declaration of intent to be a write-in candidate, or a nominating petition, or has become a candidate through party nomination at a primary election or by the filling of a vacancy." Petro's office was not asked for an opinion on that matter. The Ohio Democratic Party initially indicated that it would contest Padgett's eligibility by filing a lawsuit when she became a candidate. However, on August 18, the party said that it would not, because Padgett faced six opponents in the special primary and avoiding a lawsuit would save money for their fall campaign. But a brother to one of those six candidates filed a protest before the August 19 deadline. The Tuscarawas County elections board heard the complaint on August 20 and voted 2–1 along party lines to reject it. One Democrat, Socrates Space, abstained from voting because of a conflict of interest; his son was the Democratic nominee in the same race. Padgett originally faced seven Republican opponents in the special primary on September 14. But on August 22, Dover mayor Rick Homrighausen announced he would withdraw and endorsed Padgett. Ney aide John Bennett also withdrew, and candidate Gregory Zelenitz was rejected by the Tuscarawas County Board of Elections. Padgett overwhelmingly won the primary election with over 9,523 of the 14,065 votes cast. She faced Zack Space, a Dover, Ohio lawyer and hotel developer, in the November general election. Space had won the Democratic primary with 39 percent of the vote. Space easily defeated Padgett on November 6, 2006, 129,687 to 79,286. Retirement from Ohio Senate In September 2007, Padgett announced that she would not run for another term in 2008. Soon after, State Rep. Jimmy Stewart, R-Albany, announced he would run for the 20th District Senate seat in 2008. Stewart won the seat, and Padgett retired from Ohio politics when her term expired in December 2008. United Conservatives of Ohio gave her a 77% evaluation. References External links Profile on the Ohio Ladies' Gallery website Campaign website Project Vote Smart - Senator Joy Padgett (OH) profile Follow the Money - Joy Padgett