Dems to spend big on area candidates

By DAVID SKOLNICK

skolnick@vindy.com

BOARDMAN

The Mahoning County Democratic Party will back its endorsed candidates with every penny it has, its chairman said.

“We’ve got $25,000 in the bank right now, and I’ll blow all of it on the endorsed candidates,” said Chairman David Betras. “We’ll be broke after the primary.”

Thursday’s endorsements were the first by the party since 1992.

There were 334 people — members of the party’s central and executive committees — eligible to vote. Of those, 217 voted at the meeting at Mr. Anthony’s.

Among those endorsed were:

State Sen. Joe Schiavoni of Canfield, D-33rd, with a 180 to 21 win over Kathleen Purdy of Alliance.

Youngstown Councilwoman Carol Rimedio-Righetti over incumbent Mahoning County Commissioner David Ludt of Poland, who is seeking his fourth four-year term. She won 140 to 62.

County Auditor Michael Sciortino of Austintown beating Andrew D’Apolito of Canfield 176 to 28.

Vote totals given by party officials Thursday to The Vindicator were incorrect.

Also, the committee by voice vote endorsed the county’s 0.5-percent, 5-year sales tax and a state issue to fund high-tech businesses.

The party also endorsed by a voice vote some incumbents who face opposition. That support came because the incumbents’ opponents opted not to seek the party’s endorsement.

Those candidates include U.S. Reps. Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th, and Charlie Wilson of St. Clairsville, D-6th; and state Rep. Robert F. Hagan of Youngstown, D-60th.