When Merle Kearns resigned midway through 2005 to take a place in the cabinet of Governor Bob Taft her assistant majority whip position became open .
Colleagues appointed Seitz to take Merle Kearns ' place .
When Merle Kearns resigned midway through 2005 to take a place in the cabinet of Governor Bob Taft her assistant majority whip position became open , and colleagues appointed Seitz to take her place .