On the Side: Victory for Antonini impressive

IMPRESSIVE WIN: Mahoning County Treasurer Lisa Antonini’s victory over John Shultz in last week’s Democratic primary is truly impressive.

Only one of the four major Democratic clubs in Mahoning County endorsed her. This newspaper opted to not endorse in the race.

Antonini, the county Democratic chairwoman, had a great deal to lose in her first race for elected office.

Not only could she lose her position as treasurer, a job Democratic precinct committee members appointed her to hold after it became vacant last year, but she could have lost control over the party.

It’s no secret that state Democratic officials aren’t crazy about her, and she has her share of local critics.

Yet besides Coroner David Kennedy, Antonini received the most votes of any Democrat in the county running in an opposed race.

It proved that Democratic voters support Antonini, and should put to rest — at least for a little bit — any thought of removing her as party chairwoman.

skolnick@vindy.com