3 men will vie for positions as write-in candidates

YOUNGSTOWN — It’s one of the hardest things for a candidate: win a county seat or a position in Congress as a write-in candidate.

“It’s so rare and so much the exception to the rule,” said Paul Sracic, chairman of the Youngstown State University political science department.

“You need a lot of money and a large organization,” he added. “It’s particularly difficult in presidential years because it’s hard to get people’s attention for down-ticket races.”

Even so, three candidates filed by today’s deadline to run for elected positions in the Mahoning Valley.

David P. Aey, 4016 Shelby Road in Boardman, for Mahoning County sheriff. Randall Wellington of Youngstown is the incumbent.

Dennis S. Spisak, 548 Poland Ave. in Struthers, for the 6th Congressional District. U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson of St. Clairsville is the incumbent.

David C. Cook, 537 Fenton Court, Niles, for Trumbull County commissioner. Paul Heltzel of Niles is the incumbent.

For the complete story, see Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.