Lucaso Co. Democrats elect Toledo Councilman Steven Steel as new chairman

6/9/2014

Toledo Councilman Steven Steel was elected the new chairman of the Lucas County Democratic Party this evening with a unanimous vote at the party‘‍s central committee meeting.

Steel‘‍s victory was all but assured earlier today when his only declared opposition withdrew from the race.

Jim Martin, a former Toledo Firefighters union Local 92 president, announced today that he would not seek the job at the Democratic Party Central Committee meeting.

“After reviewing all the ramifications of an election like we have tonight and realizing the support Steve Steel had out there I decided it was best to withdraw,” Mr. Martin said.

This is the party’s biennial reorganization, with 135 newly elected central committee members taking their seats. The central committee members - one per precinct - were elected May 6.

Mr. Martin put his name in competition last week after the current chairman, Ron Rothenbuhler, announced he would not seek re-election. Mr. Steel had already been quietly campaigning for the post for months, and has a slate of candidates for executive and central committee positions that are aimed at representing the party‘‍s diverse groups.

Mr. Martin said he would support Mr. Steel for the chairmanship.

Contact Tom Troy: tomtroy@theblade.com or 419--724-6058 or an Twitter @TomFTroy.