Mark Hanni files as write-in candidate to challenge incumbent Mahoning judge

YOUNGSTOWN — Mark A. Hanni filed as a write-in candidate in the Democratic primary in order to challenge Mahoning County Common Pleas Court Judge Maureen A. Sweeney, a Republican, in November.

Also, former state Rep. Craig Newbold of Columbiana will withdraw as the lone Republican candidate in the 5th Ohio House District race with Tim Ginter of Salem filing as a write-in to eventually replace him.

Today was the deadline to file as write-in candidates for the May 6 partisan primary.

Hanni of Canfield had originally filed to challenge Judge Cheryl L. Waite of the 7th District Court of Appeals in the Democratic primary.

But Hanni withdrew Friday, leaving Judge Waite of Poland to face Maureen A. Walsh of Boardman in the Democratic primary.

Hanni then filed in the Democratic primary for the Jan. 2, 2015, term seat on the common pleas court bench.

For the complete story, read Tuesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com