SALEM Candidate withdraws, but will still be on ballot

March 1 is the filing deadline for independent candidates.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
SALEM -- Although Lawrence Stacey II has withdrawn as a candidate for the Ohio Senate 30th district, his name will still appear as the lone Republican candidate on the March 2 primary ballot.
Jerome F. McNally, who withdrew Thursday from the 60th Ohio House District's Democratic primary, will also be on the ballot, even though he is no longer running.
James Lee, spokesman for the Ohio Secretary of State's office, said because Stacey and McNally did not did not withdraw by a Jan. 12 deadline, their names will not be removed from the ballot.
"Unless the person dies, they're on the ballot," Lee said.
Filing deadline
March 1 is the filing deadline for independent candidates.
State Rep. Charlie Wilson of St. Clairsville and former state Rep. Jerry W. Krupinski of Steubenville will meet in the March Democratic primary. The 30th District Senate seat is now held by state Sen. Gregory L. DiDonato, a Dennison Democrat, who will be out of the Senate next year because of term limits.
In a statement Friday addressed "to all the residents of Columbiana, Belmont, Jefferson, Harrison and Tuscarawas counties," Stacey, a Columbiana County attorney, thanked Columbiana County Democrats Jerry Ward and Dave Johnson and all other "individuals who expressed their utmost confidence in my abilities to serve as state senator."
Stacey said he withdrew from the race because of the responsibilities of his law practice.
"I have always had a strong desire to serve in a public office wherein I could have a positive impact on the people of this area," he said. "Due to the fact that I am a practicing attorney with 13 years in this business, I am unable at this time to balance the important duties of a state senator with my responsibilities to my clients and their families."
tullis@vindy.com