GOP lawmaker to run for state treasurer

SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR

COLUMBUS — A Republican state lawmaker from the Cleveland area has announced he will run for state treasurer.

Rep. Josh Mandel notified supporters of his decision via a video posted on the Internet, then had a press conference with Statehouse reporters later in the day.

Mandel, 31, was a Lyndhurst city councilman before being elected to the Ohio House in 2006. He is an Ohio State University graduate and holds a law degree from Case Western Reserve University.

Mandel served eight years as an intelligence specialist in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. He did two tours of duty in Iraq.

“I’m planning to bring energy and fresh ideas to the office [of state treasurer],” he said. “I think through using e-mail and the Internet and ... new media, we can make people’s dollars go farther and we can be better watchdogs.”