Hagan's name remains on ballot for state central committeeman

YOUNGSTOWN — After losing the Mahoning County Democratic Party endorsement for 33rd District state central committeeman, incumbent Robert F. Hagan said he’d get out of the race.

But Hagan failed to withdraw before Wednesday’s deadline, and his name will remain on the ballot even if he quits now.

Because of the expense to boards of elections in Mahoning and Columbiana counties to inform voters of his withdrawal and what he said could be voter confusion with his wife’s bid for an Ohio House seat, Hagan said he isn’t withdrawing.

Hagan said he will vote for his opponent, Brandon Kovach of Lisbon, and urge others to support Kovach.

“I should have sent [a letter to the Mahoning County Board of Elections] withdrawing on time,” Hagan said. “I thought just saying I was withdrawing was enough. I thought there was more time than this.”

Kovach said he understands Hagan’s failure to withdraw in a timely fashion was a mistake, and despite what Hagan says, Kovach is convinced he will lose as Hagan’s name recognition is stronger than his and few people know what a state central committeeman does.

The 33rd District position represents Mahoning and Columbiana counties on the Ohio Democratic Party’s central committee, which votes for chairman and selects the party’s executive committee members.

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