Steel poised to become Lucas County Democratic Party chairman after opponent withdraws name

6/9/2014

Toledo Councilman Steven Steel appears headed for easy election as the new chairman of the Lucas County Democratic Party later today, as his only declared opposition has withdrawn.

Jim Martin, a former Toledo Firefighters union Local 92 president, announced today that he will not have his name put in nomination when the Democratic Party Central Committee meets tonight.

“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 Democratic Party‘‍s county central committee meets at 7 p.m. at the Teamsters Local 20 hall on the Anthony Wayne Trail for its biennial reorganization. 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 has 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 will support Mr. Steel for the chairmanship.