On the SidE. . .

Opinion: October 20, 2006 at 12:00a.m.

ON THE SIDE. . .
This and that from the world of Valley politics.
BATTLE FOR SURVIVAL: U.S. Rep. Melissa Hart, a Bradford Woods, Pa., Republican who represents portions of Mercer and Lawrence counties, is in a fight to win re-election, according to Congressional Quarterly. The Capitol Hill newspaper and Web site wrote an article Wednesday moving Pennsylvania's 4th Congressional District seat from "Republican favored" to "leans Republican."
Hart, a three-term incumbent, is being challenged by Jason Altmire, a Lower Burrell Democrat and former congressional aide who's never run for political office. The rating change means Hart maintains an edge in the race, but Altmire is gaining ground.
Chance to be heard: The Democrats of the 17th and 6th Districts are inviting Democratic candidates to speak at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Poland Community Baseball Association hall on Sheridan Road.
Candidates forum: The League of Women Voters, Trumbull County, is holding a candidates forum at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Kent State Trumbull Campus. Candidates for county commissioner and the 64th and 65th Ohio House seats are scheduled to attend.
skolnick@vindy.com