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Longtime lawmaker’s widow takes his place in Indiana House

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – The widow of a longtime state lawmaker from northwestern Indiana is taking his place in the General Assembly.

Donna Harris was sworn into office Monday during a brief ceremony in the House chamber. She succeeds Rep. Earl Harris, who died March 23 at age 73 after a long illness.

A caucus of Democratic precinct committee members elected Donna Harris on Saturday to represent the district that includes parts of East Chicago, Gary and Griffith in Lake County. She will complete her husband’s term that runs until the November 2016 election.

Earl Harris served in the Indiana House for more than 30 years, having first been elected in 1982.