13 get interviews for state Senate seat

It only took a few hours for Ohio Senate Democratic leaders to cut the list of 29 candidates seeking to replace outgoing state Sen. John Boccieri to seven.

The Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus’ four-person leadership team will interview the seven Tuesday and Wednesday as well as six candidates selected earlier by the four county Democratic parties in the 33rd Ohio Senate District.

Of the seven additional candidates, Boardman Trustee Robyn Gallitto is the only one who’s a current officeholder.

Rufus Hudson, an ex-Youngstown 2nd Ward councilman, is the only former officeholder on the list.

The only other candidate to get an interview who’s ever run for political office is Susan Maruca.

The four other finalists — William H. Adams, David B. Green, Eileen Gilmartin and Joe Schiavoni — have never run for office.

Ohio Senate Democratic leaders discussed the 29 additional applicants late Friday shortly after the deadline to file letters of interest and rsums for the post.

“We have good talent to pick from,” said incoming Senate Minority Leader Capri Cafaro of Liberty, D-32nd, a member of the caucus’ leadership who’ll participate in the candidates’ interviews.

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