Harshman drops out of state house race

Just a few days ago, state Rep. Sandra Stabile Harwood, a three-term incumbent seeking re-election, had two opponents in the Democratic primary.

Today, she has none.

Atty. Michael Harshman of Liberty said he’s withdrawing today from the March 4 primary for the 65th Ohio House District race. John D. Williams of Liberty, squadron commander of the 757th Airlift Squadron at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station, withdrew his candidacy Friday.

Both said they pulled out to show party unity. They also said they are interested in running for the seat in 2010, when Harwood cannot seek re-election because of state term limits law.

Harshman said he filed for the seat because he was concerned Stabile Harwood, a Niles attorney, would take a political appointment before the election and Williams would win the Democratic primary by default. But Williams withdrew Friday and Stabile Harwood said she wouldn’t accept a political appointment while serving in the Ohio House.

She faces Republican Lyle Waddell of Newton Falls in the November general election.

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