Dem caucus reopens Senate search

By David Skolnick

Expanding the search will ‘ensure we have a wider and more diverse pool of candidates,’ the Senate minority leader says.

Mahoning County Democratic Chairwoman Lisa Antonini said she’s “very frustrated” that the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus reopened its search to replace outgoing state Sen. John Boccieri.

The caucus asked the Democratic parties from the 33rd Ohio Senate District’s four counties, including Mahoning, to interview candidates and recommend up to three to succeed Boccieri.

Each complied, with six candidates nominated in total.

“We go through a process [designed by the caucus] and it wasn’t good enough for them,” Antonini said. “It appears that no matter who we throw out the names will be scrutinized.”

Sources close to the caucus say some members are concerned about selecting Poland Trustee Robert Lidle or ex-Mahoning County Commissioner David Engler because of their past legal problems.

Engler was the No. 1 choice of Mahoning Democrats. Lidle was the No. 3 choice and was on the list submitted by Tuscarawas County. Struthers Councilman at large Daniel Yemma, the county treasurer office’s chief deputy treasurer, was the second choice of Mahoning Democrats.

Senate Minority Leader Ray Miller announced Tuesday that anyone interested in the Senate seat could apply directly to the caucus by Friday.

“We believe we have a good list of candidates to choose from,” said Miller, of Columbus, D-15th. “However, we also want to expand the search to ensure we have a wider and more diverse pool of candidates.”

The announcement came just a few days after The Vindicator wrote about the past problems of Engler — an August 2006 “public reprimand” from the Ohio Supreme Court for having a consensual sexual relationship with a client — and Lidle’s two convictions of driving under the influence, May 20, 2002, and March 24, 2003.

“No matter who we throw out there The Vindicator scrutinizes,” Antonini said. “Maybe the Senate caucus and The Vindicator should make the decision.”

The final decision on filling Boccieri’s unexpired term rests with the caucus. The caucus, as it traditionally does, asked the county parties in the district to recommend candidates.

In some cases, including filling a vacant seat in the 30th District in 2006, the caucus opens the process to anyone interested.

The decision to expand the search wasn’t meant to discount the county parties, said incoming Minority Leader Capri Cafaro of Liberty, D-32nd.

“Anytime you open a process to encourage people to apply, it’s a good thing,” she said. “The more diversity in talent and attributes we can choose from, the better. ... The parties need to play a part to make their selections, but we shouldn’t be limited by their selections.”

Casey Malone, a former radio talk show host and disc jockey who now works as a political consultant, is interested in the appointment, Cafaro said.

Lidle said he has no problem with the caucus’s expanding the search to find the best candidate.

“I understand their position with some of the issues that some of us bring to the table,” he said.

Lidle added that he’s turned around his life, counsels those with alcohol issues and has survived cancer.

“When my entire story is told, they’ll view me more favorably,” he said.

Engler, a member of the county educational service center board, said that mistake shouldn’t define his many years of public service.

“I’ve enjoyed the support of the public for many years, and I’m hopeful the state senators will take into consideration what the local people want,” he said. “... People read newspaper articles, but I hope [the caucus relies] on local people about who’s electable and who serves the public well.”

Yemma said he’s “not sure why [the caucus is] doing this, but I’m quite comfortable I’m qualified for the position,” he said. “I’m not sure why they feel the need to expand the search.”

Some caucus members are leaning toward Alliance Councilman at large Steve Okey, but are concerned because he’s not from Mahoning, the largest county in the district. Okey, who lives in Stark County, could face a challenge in 2010 from candidates from Mahoning, something the caucus members want to avoid.

The selection is “not based on geography alone,” said Okey, Stark County Democrats’ lone recommended candidate. “There are things more important than a geography test.”

Okey said that if elected, he’d open an office in Youngstown.

Two other nominees, Brian R. Thomas, Perrysville, of Carroll County, and Stacia Erdos Littleton, of North Lima, who was on Tuscarawas’ list, couldn’t be reached Tuesday to comment.

Those wanting to apply for the 33rd Ohio Senate District seat can send a r sum and letter to Miller at Statehouse, Room 304, Columbus, OH 43215, or e-mail him at rmiller@maild.sen.state.oh.us

The caucus’s leadership team will interview candidates on or about Monday and select one for consideration by the full 11-member caucus sometime between Tuesday and Dec. 18.

skolnick@vindy.com