Thirteen candidates will be interviewed today and Wednesday for the state Senate seat being vacated

Thirteen candidates will be interviewed today and Wednesday for the state Senate seat being vacated by U.S. Rep.-elect John Boccieri. The first six were nominated by county Democratic parties in the Senate district. The others were chosen by the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus’ leadership based on their applications*.

Struthers Councilman at large Daniel Yemma, chief deputy treasurer of the Mahoning County Treasurer’s office.

Poland Trustee Robert Lidle, a journeyman electrician.

Ex-Mahoning County Commissioner David Engler of Canfield, an attorney, member of the county educational service center board and former Youngstown councilman.

Alliance Councilman at large Steve Okey, an attorney and treasurer for Boccieri’s congressional campaign.

Brian R. Thomas of Perrysville in Carroll County, who lost the 2004 race for the 18th Congressional District.

Stacia Erdos Littleton of North Lima, a former WYTV-TV news anchor and currently a weekend anchor/reporter on WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh.

Susan G. Maruca of Campbell, a senior partner and chief operating officer in the law firm of Betras, Maruca, Kopp & Harshman. She spent more than $100,000 in the March Democratic primary for county probate court judge, finishing last.

William H. Adams of Austintown, group leader for Mahoning Valley for Obama.

David B. Green of Boardman, president of United Auto Workers Local 1714 at the General Motors complex in Lordstown.

Boardman Trustee Robyn Gallitto, an attorney.

Eileen M. Gilmartin, managing director of Casey Malone & Associates, a political consulting firm. She worked on the failed probate court campaign of Scott Hunter, the Republican nominee for the judicial seat. She was a local radio personality under the Malone name.

Ex-Youngstown Councilman Rufus Hudson, an administrator at Youngstown State University who lost a 2006 Ohio House Democratic primary.

Joe Schiavoni of Canfield, an attorney.