GOP chooses Joyce to replace LaTourette in 14th District race

August 11, 2012 at 12:00a.m.

WILLOUGHBY HILLS

Republican officials selected Geauga County Prosecutor David Joyce as the party’s nominee, replacing U.S. Rep. Steven C. LaTourette in the 14th Congressional District race.

The party chairmen and secretaries of county central committees in the seven counties, including Trumbull, that make up the 14th District unanimously voted Friday in support of Joyce.

Joyce, Geauga County prosecutor for the past 24 years, was considered the leading candidate to replace LaTourette, who announced July 31 he was quitting his re-election race.

Ohio Republican Chairman Bob Bennett said voters in the 14th District “have a clear choice to elect a leader with the experience and qualifications necessary to represent them in Congress.”

Lake County Republican Party Chairman Dale Fellows said about 20 people either sought the ballot appointment or were asked by party officials to consider seeking the spot.

LaTourette, a nine-term incumbent from Bainbridge, said he was retiring because federal politics had become too partisan for him.

The timing of his retirement allowed GOP officials in the 14th District to replace him on the Nov. 6 ballot rather than first hold a special election.

The 14th is one of the most competitive Democratic-Republican districts in the state.

Dale Virgil Blanchard of Solon, the Democratic nominee, has lost eight-consecutive congressional races.

Blanchard, who faced no opposition in the Democratic primary, said he will not get out of the race.

Also, the Libertarian and Green parties have candidates in the November general election.