OHIO SENATE GOP finds a candidate for 30th District seat

The newcomer will face a seasoned campaigner.
By NORMAN LEIGH
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
LISBON -- Area Republicans have chosen a Columbiana man to run for the Ohio Senate 30th District seat being vacated by Democrat Greg DiDonato as a result of term limits.
Mike Wilkes, 31, 208 Brenda Lane, was picked earlier this week by Republican leaders representing the 30th District, which is made up of all of Columbiana, Jefferson, Belmont and Harrison counties, and part of Tuscarawas County.
Wilkes is a political novice, having never held or sought elected office. He was appointed about six months ago to serve on the city of Columbiana zoning appeals board.
He is the owner of Wilkes Co., a Columbiana-based concern that designs and manufactures industrial mills. Wilkes attended Youngstown State University and graduated from Beaver High School.
In announcing Wilkes' selection, Columbiana County Republican Party Chairman Jerry Ward said he believes Wilkes will "make a great senator."
Ward noted that Wilkes is married to the former Niki Bell, daughter of one-time county auditor, Kent Bell, a Democrat. Bell's father, Kenneth, another Democrat, also had served as auditor.
The cross-party ties should be helpful in gathering votes, Ward said.
Priorities
Wilkes said he's running because he doesn't believe the district has been well represented in the past.
If elected, he said he'll prioritize economic issues, particularly job creation.
Wilkes said he would propose more tax breaks for large corporations to encourage them not to ship jobs overseas. His selection is the result of the initial Republican candidate, Atty. Lawrence Stacey II of Columbiana, abandoning the race shortly after having filed to run. Stacey said his law practice responsibilities led him to give up the bid for public office.
In the general election, Wilkes faces political veteran Charlie Wilson, 61, a St. Clairsville Democrat who handily defeated his March primary challenger Jerry Krupinski.
Wilson is the Ohio House's 96th District representative, having served four terms. He's being forced out by term limits.