Statewide GOP candidates visit Mahoning County

YOUNGSTOWN — Statewide Republicans say it will be difficult to win in Mahoning County, traditionally a Democratic stronghold, but it doesn’t mean they won’t try.

“You know the Mahoning Valley can make a very large statement” in this election, Gov. John Kasich said today. “I don’t know if it’s possible, frankly, for Republicans to win over here.”

Kasich was joined today at Dearing Compressor & Pump Co. at 801 Midlothian Blvd. in Youngstown by five other Republican statewide officeholders for one of the first of a three-day “Ohio Works Bus Tour” to drum up support for the GOP ticket.

About 250 people, primarily Dearing workers, attended the rally.

Secretary of State Jon Husted joked that it was “great to be in the heart of Republican politics right here in Mahoning County.”

Joining them were Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor, Attorney General Mike DeWine, Auditor Dave Yost and Supreme Court Justice Judi French.

In response to the visit, Mahoning County Democratic Party Chairman David Betras said, “Now that the GOP statewide candidates have used their GPS to find the Mahoning Valley, I’m wondering what they’re going to bring us besides empty promises and tax cuts for the wealthy.”

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