Front-runner for Senate post withdraws

Anthony Trevena, considered the front-runner to replace Charlie Wilson in the 30th Ohio Senate District, withdrew his name from the appointment process to take a position in the incoming Gov. Ted Strickland administration.

Trevena of Guilford Lake, who’s worked for Strickland since 2002, said Strickland and John Haseley, the incoming governor’s chief of staff, asked him last week to not seek the Senate vacancy and join the governor-elect’s administration.

Trevena said the administrative post wasn’t determined as of Monday, but “it would be a fairly significant position. I don’t think they’d ask me to step away from seeking a Senate seat” if the position wasn’t important.

Trevena has a master’s degree in business administration from Youngstown State University, and had served as vice president of the Mahoning Valley’s Better Business Bureau.

“I never expected anything in return or a job for helping Ted,” said Trevena, who is currently assisting with planning Strickland’s inauguration.

Senate Democratic leaders interviewed candidates Monday for about 30 to 45 minutes each for the 30th and the 32nd Ohio Senate Districts.