ON THE SIDE. . .

ON THE SIDE. . .
This and that from the world of Valley politics.
NO STATEWIDE ASPIRATIONS: State Rep. John Boccieri of New Middletown, D-61st, said he has no interest in running statewide in 2006. Boccieri, an Air Force Reserve major, said he was approached by state Democratic leaders to run two years from now, probably for secretary of state. Boccieri had sharp words for state Democratic officials in declining the invitation. "I don't think the Democratic Party [in Ohio] is organized where we can have a big-ticket slate." He also said he has no interest being "fed to the wolves."
Boccieri, running for re-election in November to the state House, said he is looking at two options in 2006. He would choose between running for the 6th Congressional District seat should U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland of Lisbon opt to vacate the position and run for governor in 2006, or seek the state Senate seat currently held by Robert Hagan of Youngstown. Hagan cannot run for the seat in 2006 because of the state's term limits. Boccieri would face competition from Democrats in a primary if he chooses either option.
What party? Some Mahoning County people are living in the past. People, old and young, keep showing up at the Boardman Street law office of Don Hanni Jr., who served as Mahoning Democratic Party chairman from 1978 to 1994, believing the building is still the county Democratic headquarters. It stopped being the Democratic headquarters a decade ago. It got so bad that there is now a sign hanging up on the building's front door stating that the Democratic headquarters is located at its current location -- on East Federal Plaza.
skolnick@vindy.com