Incumbent U.S. reps in the Valley raise large war chests for re-election

By David Skolnick

If money plays a big factor in congressional races — and historically it has — the incumbent U.S. House members who represent the Mahoning Valley have little to worry about.

U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th, a three-term incumbent, is facing Republican Duane Grassell of Mogadore, an Akron school district math teacher and department chairman.

U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson of St. Clairsville, D-6th, seeking his second term in the House, has two opponents: Republican Richard Stobbs of Colerain, a Franklin County deputy recorder; and Dennis Spisak of Struthers, a Green Party candidate.

U.S. Rep. Steven LaTourette of Bainbridge Township, R-14th, a seven-term incumbent, is being challenged by Bill O’Neill, a registered nurse who resigned as a justice on the 11th District Court of Appeals to run for Congress.

Ryan has raised $1.24 million for his campaign and had close to $365,000 in his campaign fund as of Sept. 30.

Grassell, who lost a school board race in 2003 in Mogadore, hasn’t raised $5,000.

Candidates who fail to raise $5,000 don’t have to file reports with the Federal Election Commission.

Wilson raised more than $730,000 and had about $300,000 in his campaign fund as of Sept. 30.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com