Friday, November 7, 2008

DISCUSSION: WILL STARK COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY CHAIR JOHNNIE A. MAIER, JR SUPPORT A STARK COUNTIAN TO BE BOCCIERI'S SUCCESSOR?

Who Johnnie A. Maier, Jr (Chairman - Stark County Demcratic Party) will support to succeed John Boccieri in the Ohio Senate may seem to be a "no-brainer?"

But is it?

The Alliance Review reports in today's edition that state Representative Ron Gerberry wants to succeed John Boccieri in Ohio 33rd Senate District now that Boccieri is off to Congress.

So?

Well, so does Stark County's Steve Okey who currently serves as an Alliance City Council. And, Okey served as Boccieri's campaign treasurer.

The rub for Maier is this.

When Maier was state representative from Ohio's (then) 56th District, he was very close to guess who? You've got it. None other than Ron Gerberry who was a fellow Democratic caucus member.

Although only a slice of Stark County is in the 33rd, Stark Countians, one would think, favor Alliance resident Okey.

But is it that easy for Maier? Will he weigh in for Okey? Will he stay neutral?

Of course, these could be a moot questions. Boccieri himself may seek to name his successor a la Phil Giavasis when he left the Stark County Clerk of Courts office for the Canton Municipal Clerk of Courts post.

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