Walter's attempt to run against Ryan falls short

The Canfield man failed to obtain enough valid signatures on his petitions.
& lt;a href=mailto:skolnick@vindy.com & gt;By DAVID SKOLNICK & lt;/a & gt;
VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER
WARREN -- Randy Walter knew it would be a challenge to stay on the ballot as a nonparty candidate for the 17th Congressional District.
He was to officially find out at a meeting today of the Trumbull County Board of Elections' decision that he failed to meet that challenge.
Walter, of Canfield, a real estate developer, was to be disqualified as a congressional candidate by the elections board because he lacked enough valid signatures on his nominating petitions.
Walter, who decided to run for Congress only five days before the filing deadline for nonparty [also called independent] candidates, and his supporters collected 1,943 signatures. He needed 1,844 valid signatures to be on the ballot. That was too close for comfort.
"We know some people at the board who gave us the information [Monday] that I don't have enough valid signatures and will be disqualified," he said. "We're disappointed. We wanted to be in this race. We're really pleased with the people who got the signatures, but disappointed we fell short."
Norma Williams, Trumbull elections board director, declined to comment on Walter's petitions until today's meeting.
Looking ahead
Walter said he may run for the 17th Congressional District seat in 2006. The district takes in parts of Mahoning, Trumbull, Portage and Summit counties.
Walter said he wanted to challenge U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, a Niles Democrat, because he was disappointed in the congressman's ability to lead the Mahoning Valley and change its image.
"We don't have the leadership, and I would have loved to have been the congressman who would work everyday to change the Valley's image," he said.
Ryan disputes Walter's claims of lacking leadership, saying that he has been able to improve the area's image during his time in office.
Also running for the seat is Republican Frank Cusimano of Howland, who is seeking his first political office.
Walter filed to run as a Democrat for the 17th Congressional District seat in 2002, but withdrew before the primary. Walter doesn't live in the 17th District.
& lt;a href=mailto:skolnick@vindy.com & gt;skolnick@vindy.com & lt;/a & gt;