Deputy law director to seek appellate bench

Deputy law director to seek appellate bench

YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown Deputy Law Director Anthony Donofrio will run in the Democratic primary in May for an open seat on the 7th District Court of Appeals.

Donofrio is the first Democrat to announce plans to run for the seat currently held by Judge Joseph J. Vukovich, who is retiring rather than seeking a fourth six-year term on the court.

Other potential Democratic candidates for Judge Vukovich’s spot include Mahoning County Prosecutor Paul J. Gains and former county Commissioner David Engler.

Also, Judge Cheryl L. Waite, first elected to the court of appeals in 1996, will seek her fourth six-year term this year. Mark A. Hanni, who lost the 2012 general election for an appeals seat, is considering a Democratic primary challenge against Judge Waite.

Judge Carol Robb of Columbiana County Municipal Court is the lone Republican who’s announced her candidacy for the Judge Vukovich seat.

Feb. 5 is the deadline for candidates to file for the May primary.

For the complete story, read Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com