MAHONING COUNTY GOP director resigns from post

The state's attorney general is considering a run next year for auditor.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- David Myhal of Canfield is leaving his post as executive director of the Mahoning County Republican Party to become the finance director of Ohio Attorney General Betty Montgomery's campaign.
Myhal, the county GOP director since September 1998, will begin his new Columbus-based job as Montgomery's chief fund-raiser Monday.
"It's a wonderful opportunity and something I couldn't pass up," said Myhal, 24. "I love this area and I have a lot of friends and family here, but I thought it was a good move."
Montgomery will finish her second four-year term as attorney general next year. State term limits law prohibits her from seeking a third term.
Mulling plans: Montgomery is considering running next year for state auditor, a position held by fellow Republican Jim Petro, who is barred by the same term-limit law from seeking another term. He is considering running for attorney general in 2002.
Myhal said he was also considering an offer to join Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell's re-election campaign and had preliminary talks with Gov. Bob Taft's re-election campaign committee.
Myhal has been responsible for, among other things, organizing fund-raisers here for state Republican candidates.
Myhal said Mahoning GOP Chairman Clarence Smith has helped him immeasurably during his political career.
"No doubt I wouldn't be going anywhere if I hadn't worked here for one of the most respected chairman in the state of Ohio," Myhal said. "This is a big jump for me."
The Mahoning Republican executive committee will meet Thursday to discuss possible successors to Myhal, Smith said.