In 2008, the elder Otterman retired early from his seat in the Ohio House, prompting Democrats to appoint a successor.
[1] Up for reelection in 2008, Otterman defeated Republican Joe Fazek easily to win a full two-year term.
Otterman gained national attention for specific projects that were facing Akron.
Otterman was successful in steering a significant amount of stimulus funds to his district.
Up for a second full term in 2010, Otterman first faced Zack Milkovich, a political novice, in the primary election.