COLUMBUS U.S. Rep. Strickland to be honored as Democrat of Year

U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland is considered a star in the Democratic Party, according to a state Democratic spokeswoman.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER
COLUMBUS -- A politician who represents a portion of the Mahoning Valley and another who is running to represent the area were to be honored today at the annual Ohio Democratic Party State Dinner in Columbus.
U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland of Lucasville, a four-term congressman, was to be named Democrat of the Year. Strickland is running in the 6th Congressional District, which includes Columbiana County and a portion of Mahoning County, against Republican Mike Halleck of Salem.
"Ted is a star in our party," said Lauren B. Worley, Ohio Democratic Party spokeswoman. "The contributions he's made to us as a political leader in this state are immeasurable. He's been a leader on steel issues and the nuclear plant in Piketon. He is the epitome of what a public servant is."
The award has been presented annually since 1970. The winner is selected by the party chairman based on nominations received by other Democrats.
Also, state Senate Minority Leader Gregory L. DiDonato of Dennison, whose district includes Columbiana County, was to receive today the party's Myrl Shoemaker Award, which has been given annually since the mid-1980s to the Democratic state legislator of the year. Shoemaker was a former lieutenant governor and state House majority whip.
"Greg has gone above and beyond the call of duty," Worley said. "He's gotten rave reviews from people all over the state for his ability to rally the troops."
Minority leader
DiDonato, a two-term state senator, became minority leader in February. He replaced state Sen. Leigh Herington of Ravenna, who resigned to run for attorney general. Senate members who seek office outside the legislative body traditionally step down from leadership positions to run.
The party's annual dinner was to be at the Greater Columbus Convention Center with U.S. Sen. Christopher J. Dodd of Connecticut, a potential presidential candidate, as keynote speaker.
skolnick@vindy.com