COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Ohio Republicans are preparing to put an end to an intraparty feud as they head into presidential election season in a critical swing state.

State GOP Chairman Kevin DeWine announced last week he would step down at Friday's central committee meeting to avoid a "party-splitting dispute."

DeWine plans to submit his resignation at the gathering and preside over the likely election of former long-time state Chairman Bob Bennett as his replacement. Bennett chaired the party from 1988 to 2009.

Allies of Gov. John Kasich (KAY'-sihk) had recruited a slate of challengers to the committee that they believed would vote out DeWine. Their effort reflects Kasich's interest in controlling the party as governor. He was elected in 2010 and is serving a four-year term.