By John Kiesewetter
The Cincinnati Enquirer

HAMILTON - Republican Joe Statzer of Fairfield withdrew from the 54th Ohio House seat race Friday, clearing the way for a proposed job switch between Rep. Greg Jolivette and Butler County Commissioner Courtney Combs.

"I knew I had to be the catalyst, and had to take the first step," says Statzer, a former county party executive director.

Statzer's departure leaves Combs as the only candidate from either party for the House seat being vacated by Jolivette.

Jolivette is expected to resign his legislative seat and withdraw from challenging incumbent Michael A. Fox, a Republican, for county commissioner. Combs then would be appointed to the legislature, and Jolivette would replace Combs as commissioner.

Party officials have been working behind the scenes to avoid a divisive, expensive March 2 primary fight since Sunday, when Ohio Republican Party Chairman Bob Bennett came to town urging party unity.

Party leaders were concerned that a bitter primary would hurt President Bush's fund-raising and vote totals in Republican-rich Butler County.

Jolivette, a former Hamilton mayor, said Friday that he and Combs would announce their plans to swap jobs Monday afternoon.

Combs said he has been asked to "be available Monday afternoon" for a press conference.

County party leaders had rejected a similar Jolivette-Combs swap last summer.

"Our ultimate goal must be to unite and help carry Ohio for President George W. Bush," Statzer said.

"Just as before, the Butler County Republican vote will be key to the victory."

Statzer, 40, says party officials know he wants to seek elected office in the future, although "there were no promises" made.

E-mail jkiesewetter@enquirer.com