LOUIE TODAY: 'Mr. Defend Youngstown' & Sen. Boccieri

Join Louie today in his discussions with Phil Kidd and state Sen. John Boccieri.

Phil, a city employee best known for his "Defend Youngstown" web site that has become a movement, was recently named Youngstown's new director of events, special projects and community outreach. He's replacing longtime plaza director Claire Maluso, who is retiring to a part-time post for the city.

She served as plaza director from 1988 to May '98 and again from September 2003 till her retirement this month.

Boccieri, a miltary airman who lives in New Middletown, is taking his first run for Congress this year, in the 16th District. Political observers have tagged it one of the Republican districts most likely to go Democrat.

It takes in none of his home county, Mahoning, nor any of Trumbull or Columbiana, but covers all of Stark and Wayne Counties and most of Medina and Ashland counties.

Boccieri's current state district, the 33rd, comprises portions of Stark and Tuscarawas counties, as well as all of Mahoning and Carroll counties.