Sciortino, Fitzgerald blamed for Dem disaster

YOUNGSTOWN

Despite supporting Mahoning County Auditor Michael V. Sciortino, who faces 22 criminal counts related to political corruption allegations, Democratic Party Chairman David Betras said the failed incumbent “hurt and tarnished our brand.”

On Wednesday, the day after Sciortino lost his re-election bid, Betras said: “When you are chairman, you support your candidates even if you have to hold your nose. If I had my druthers, I would have had Mike get out of the race, but he wouldn’t.”

Sciortino faces charges including engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, conspiracy, perjury, bribery, money laundering and tampering with records.

Sciortino, Youngstown Mayor John A. McNally, a fellow Democrat; and Martin Yavorcik, a failed 2008 independent candidate for county prosecutor; were indicted May 14 for what prosecutors say was their roles in illegally trying to impede the move of the county’s Department of Job and Family Services to Oakhill Renaissance Place from Garland Plaza.

The three have pleaded not guilty.

But Betras said the indictment resulted in a disastrous election night for the party in Mahoning, one of the most Democratic counties in the state.

Sciortino couldn’t be reached Wednesday by The Vindicator to comment.

To add to that problem, the poorly-run campaign of Ed FitzGerald, its gubernatorial nominee, dragged down the rest of the Democratic ticket, Betras said.

Read more election post-mortem commentary in Thursday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.