Two vying for Senate seat have had legal issues

YOUNGSTOWN — A little baggage comes with two of the three candidates recommended by Mahoning County Democratic officials for a soon-to-be vacant state Senate seat.

The party’s executive committee recommended ex-Mahoning County Commissioner David Engler, who serves on the county educational service board; Struthers Councilman-at-Large Daniel R. Yemma, who is also the county treasurer office’s chief deputy treasurer; and Poland Trustee Robert Lidle, as its three candidates.

In August 2006, the Ohio Supreme Court issued a “public reprimand” to Engler, an attorney.

The court ruled Engler violated “the Code of Professional Responsibility by engaging in a sexual relationship with a client.”

Lidle was convicted of driving under the influence twice in less than a year.

Lidle said today that he made “mistakes” in his life and takes full responsibility for them. He added that he’s learned from those mistakes and has proven himself to be an effective officeholder.

Even with the two convictions, Lidle points out he was re-elected in 2005.

Mahoning Democratic Chairwoman Lisa Antonini said the three recommended by the executive committee are good candidates and their past mistakes shouldn’t play a factor in selecting the next state senator.

For the complete story, read Thursday’s Vindicator or Vindy.com