The process of replacing Boccieri underway

State Sen. John Boccieri won the election to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Ralph Regula (R-Navarre) in Ohio's 16th Congressional District, leaving a vacancy in Ohio's 33rd Senate District.

Senate Minority Leader Ray Miller (D-Columbus) has announced the process is underway for replacing Boccieri, whose district includes Mahoning, Carroll, and parts of Stark and Tuscarawas Counties.  

"I am so pleased that the voters of the 16th Congressional District have recognized the talent, character and patriotism that Senator Boccieri has shown, and elected him to represent them in Congress," Miller said. "It has been an honor to work alongside a man deeply devoted to his family, his community, and his country.  He has set a high standard for service, and we are looking forward to appointing a new member who will reflect his commitment to the 33rd District and the State of Ohio."

Miller said that the deadline to submit an application for the seat is Friday, Dec. 5.  Miller's office said applicants can submit a cover letter and a resume to the county party chairman in the county in the 33rd Senate District in which they live.

These chairs include Ruby Gulliam in Carroll County, Lisa Antonini in Mahoning County, Johnnie Maier in Stark County and Socrates Space in Tuscarawas County.

Miller's office said that the county parties have been asked to recommend no more than three individuals, each to the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus by Dec. 12.  

The leadership of the Senate Democratic Caucus will interview all the recommended candidates, and make a recommendation to the entire Senate Democratic Caucus.  The Democratic Caucus will ultimately decide the next senator.

"We are encouraging those who are interested in serving in the Ohio Senate to apply," Miller said. "We are seeking someone to replace Senator Boccieri who can best represent the breath of interests and concerns of one of the most diverse Senate districts in the state."

Alliance Councilman-at-Large Steve Okey, Boardman Trustee and attorney Robyn Gallitto and Poland Trustee Robert Lidle are all known to be seeking the position.

The Youngstown Vindicator has reported three candidates who "recently contacted Mahoning County Democratic Chairwoman Lisa Antonini and/or incoming Senate Minority Leader Capri Cafaro about the appointment."

Rufus Hudson, "a former Youngstown 3rd Ward councilman who lost a 2006 Democratic primary for an Ohio House seat," Pat Lowry of Youngstown, a "U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan's regional press secretary and a retired teacher who's unsuccessfully run for Youngstown council president," and Stacia Erdos Littleton, a "former television news anchor at WYTV in Youngstown and currently a weekend anchor and reporter for a Pittsburgh television station," have all expressed interest in the post.