By Debra Jasper
Columbus Enquirer Bureau

COLUMBUS - Depending on where you stand, term limits have either created a legislature too inexperienced to grapple with tough issues or a membership with fresh ideas and no old ties to special interests. But love them or hate them, term limits have dramatically changed the face of state government.

Passed in 1992, term limits in Ohio kick state representatives from office after they have served four consecutive terms and expels senators after they have served two four-year terms.

As a result, 42 first-time lawmakers - including nine from the Cincinnati area - took office last year, marking the biggest turnover in the 132-member legislature in 28 years.

Now, term-limits are ousting such well-known and powerful legislative old-timers as Senate President Richard Finan, R-Evandale. First elected to the General Assembly in 1973, Mr. Finan is the longest-serving active member in the legislature.

Proponents of term limits say shorter stays keep lawmakers more connected to voters and less cozy with lobbyists. Opponents argue that term limits don't give lawmakers enough time to make a real impact.

"You learn about the issues and develop the skills to deal with them over time," Mr. Finan says. "But these freshmen coming in don't have that kind of time. They have to tackle things like the budget when they don't even know who to trust."

Not all lawmakers leave the legislature when they leave office. Some, such as former Rep. Robert Shuler, R-Cincinnati, simply switch chambers. Mr. Shuler was forced out of the House by term-limits but elected to serve the 7th Senate District.

So far under term limits, the party with the most money and power has managed to keep it. Republicans will control the House 62-37 and the Senate 22-11 when the 125th General Assembly convenes in January.

Still, under the new system even legislative leaders must quickly grapple with their own demise.

When Sen. Doug White, a Manchester Republican, is sworn in next month he will already have lame-duck status. Because of term limits, he can hold his position for just two years.

House Speaker Larry Householder, too, will be forced out of office after this term. But he insists he is still firmly in charge.

"There is a lot being said about lame-duck leaders losing power but that's a bunch of baloney," Mr. Householder said. "It depends on the person. Leaders lose power in their last terms only if they were weak to begin with."

E-mail djasper@enquirer.com