On the side...

ENDORSEMENT MEETING: The Mahoning County Democratic Party declined to endorse candidates for the March 4 primary. But the Democrats of the 17th and 6th Districts, a local political organization, is pressing ahead with endorsements. The group will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Poland Community Baseball Association hall on Sheridan Road to have its members vote on who they’ll support. All Democratic candidates are invited to attend and address the group.

Need a laugh? I recently came across a Youngstown-based political satire Web site — www.ytownfunnies.blogspot.com — that made me laugh. Be warned, the site doesn’t hold much back, but it’s definitely worth a look.

Finance reports: We’ll get an update on money raised and spent by local candidates Thursday. That’s the deadline for candidates to file pre-primary financial disclosure reports for the period between Jan. 1 and Feb. 13. The most expensive races are expected to be in Mahoning County for sheriff, probate court judge and the common pleas judicial seat currently held by Judge Timothy Franken.

skolnick@vindy.com