Davenport drops out of primary race for 6th Congressional District seat

LISBON — A former Meigs County commissioner withdrew today as a candidate in the Democratic primary for the 6th Congressional District seat.

The move by Michael D. Davenport of Pomeroy, also a former Meigs Democratic party chairman, leaves only one Democrat in the primary for that position. He filed as a backup candidate if Belpre Mayor Michael L. Lorentz, the Ohio Democratic Party’s preferred candidate, somehow didn’t get certified to the ballot.

Because Davenport waited this long to get out of the race, his name will appear on the Democratic primary ballot, but votes for him won’t count, said Adam Booth, Columbiana County Board of Elections director.

U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson, a Marietta Republican, is running unopposed in his party’s primary. He is seeking his fourth two-year term in the Republican-leaning district.

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