Senator: Ohio gov. stands behind all-white cabinet

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - A Cleveland state senator fighting for more racial diversity on Gov. John Kasich's all-white Cabinet says the governor has told her he intends to stick by his selections.

Sen. Shirley Smith, a black Democrat, has served in the Ohio Legislature for some 12 years. Kasich granted her request for a meeting to discuss Cabinet diversity and other issues. The two spoke for an hour on Monday.

Smith says Kasich is confident he can serve Ohio without minority representation in his Cabinet. She says she is disappointed with the situation but is prepared to work with him on other issues where they can agree. That includes expanded community-based options for criminal offenders and other prison reforms.

A message seeking comment was left with Kasich's spokesman.