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Lepore-Hagan only candidate to file report in 58th
YOUNGSTOWN
Among the candidates seeking to replace Robert F. Hagan as the 58th Ohio House District representative, his wife is the only one to file a campaign finance report.
Michele Lepore-Hagan received $22,428 in contributions last year, according to financial data filed by Friday’s deadline to submit that information.
A Feb. 20 fundraiser with actor Steve Buscemi likely will reinforce Lepore-Hagan’s standing as the financial front-runner in the Democratic primary for the Ohio House position.
Wednesday is the filing deadline for those wanting to run in the May 6 primary.
Along with Lepore-Hagan, Youngstown Councilwoman Janet Tarpley, D-6th, and Michael E. O’Hara of Youngstown have filed nominating petitions for the state House seat. Cynthia L. Wilson of Youngstown said she will file Monday.
None of the three reported to the secretary of state that they received any money last year in their bids for the 58th District seat.
Hagan, who cannot run for re-election because of the state’s term-limits law, raised $4,750 during the last six months of 2013.
The 58th District is heavily Democratic, and no Republicans have declared their candidacy for the seat.
State Rep. Thomas B.J. Letson of Warren, D-64th, also can’t run for re-election because of term limits and is an endorsed Ohio Democratic Party candidate for a seat on the state Supreme Court.
There was little activity among those seeking to succeed Letson in what is a Democratic-leaning district.
Ken MacPherson raised the most money among the Democrats looking to replace Letson. He received $4,069 in contributions last year with $1,000 coming from himself.
Former Warren Mayor Michael O’Brien has the most money among the contenders even though he raised no money last year. He had $18,915 left in his campaign fund from being mayor and spent $290 of it.
No Republican has announced plans to run for that post.