Four vie for the Republican nomination in 59th district

The chosen candidate will face Rep. Kenneth Carano in November.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER
BOARDMAN -- The Mahoning County Republican Party will select its nominee for the 59th Ohio House District seat at a July 22 meeting.
Mark A. Hanni of Boardman ran unopposed for the position in the May Republican primary. Hanni withdrew two weeks ago as a candidate, saying his law practice didn't allow him the time needed to properly campaign.
Those interested in the party appointment must send a letter of intent by July 19 to Mahoning GOP Chairman Clarence R. Smith Jr. at party headquarters, 621 Boardman-Canfield Road, Boardman 44512.
Republican precinct committee members who live in the 59th District will meet 9 a.m. July 22 at party headquarters to hear from the candidates and vote by secret ballot for Hanni's replacement.
Those running so far
Four candidates have already expressed interest in the appointment. None have ever run for elected office besides precinct committee positions. They are:
Greg Beule of Boardman, a precinct committee member who serves as vice president of sales for Westgate Ford.
Patrice Cizmar of Canfield, a precinct committee member and attorney.
Todd Schuller of Boardman, vice president of sales for Capitol Tuxedos.
Kasey C. Schidel of Canfield, an attorney and a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. Schidel is still on active duty with the Marines, but that will end shortly.
"It's gratifying to see the quality of candidates expressing interest in this position," said Mark Munroe, Mahoning Republican vice chairman. "This is a very qualified field of candidates."
The party has until Aug. 23 to replace Hanni but wants to get it done earlier to give the nominee more time to campaign, Munroe said.
The winner will face state Rep. Kenneth A. Carano, an Austintown Democrat, in the November general election. Carano is seeking his fourth two-year term as an Ohio House member.
The 59th District consists of Berlin, Boardman, Canfield city and township, Craig Beach, Ellsworth, Milton, Poland village and township and most of Austintown.
skolnick@vindy.com