Tonight’s Chairman’s Dinner draws ‘who’s who’ of Ohio Dems

Tonight’s Chairman’s Dinner draws ‘who’s who’ of Ohio’s Dem leaders

YOUNGSTOWN — It was hard to get Mahoning County Democratic Chairman David Betras to stop smiling tonight.

Betras’ goal was to raise at least $100,000 at his “Chairman’s Dinner,” which included a “who’s who” of statewide Democratic officials. Betras acknowledged it took a little arm-twisting and many telephone calls to get people to attend his first fundraiser as chairman, but said he reached that goal. The money will go towards the county party’s operating expenses.

More importantly, Betras said the event shows that Mahoning County is a powerhouse when it comes to supporting Democrats, and once the voters of the county help get Democrats elected, the winners don’t ignore this area.

“Thank you for never taking us for granted,” Betras told an audience that included Gov. Ted Strickland, Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher, Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner, Attorney General Richard Cordray, Ohio House Speaker Armond Budish and several 2010 statewide candidates who came as far as Hamilton County to attend the event.

For the complete story, read Friday’s Vindicator or Vindy.com