Walsh drops out of 7th District Court of Appeals race

Walsh drops out of 7th District Court of Appeals race

YOUNGSTOWN — Judge Cheryl L. Waite, who a month ago had two Democratic primary challengers, will run unopposed for her fourth six-year term on the 7th District Court of Appeals bench.

Maureen Walsh, who was running for elected office for the first time, officially withdrew from the race today citing “a recent and unexpected health issue that prevents me from devoting the time needed to campaign” in this race.

Mark A. Hanni had also filed to challenge Judge Waite in the May 6 primary. Hanni withdrew on Feb. 21 and is running as a write-in candidate in the Democratic primary for a county common pleas court seat currently held by Republican Maureen Sweeney, who is seeking re-election.

This would have been the first time Judge Waite would have faced a challenge in a re-election bid.

“In an election year, you always run though it is better to not have an opponent,” she said.

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