Pelosi plans Valley visits to raise funds

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This is her second visit to the area and first as speaker.

By DAVID SKOLNICK

VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER

YOUNGSTOWN — Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi will visit the Mahoning Valley on Friday, touring the Youngstown Business Incubator and holding two fundraisers.

Pelosi's tentative schedule has her talking about economic development issues with local business officials in the midmorning at the incubator on West Federal Street in downtown Youngstown. She will also tour the facility.

She will also be the guest at a $25-a-ticket campaign fundraiser for U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-17th, at McMenamy's, a Niles banquet hall and restaurant on U.S. Route 422. That event is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with Pelosi expected to speak about noon. For reservations, call Ryan's campaign office at (330) 652-6900.

Pelosi is expected to hold a more expensive private fundraiser later in the afternoon for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee at the Youngstown Country Club in Liberty, near Logangate Avenue.

"Here's one of the most powerful women in the country and in the world," said Lisa Antonini, Mahoning County Democratic Party chairwoman, who is helping to organize the McMenamy's event. "It shows a lot about Tim's strong relationship with her, which will continue to benefit the people in the Valley."

Pelosi, a Democrat from San Francisco, last visited the Valley in July 2006 for a private fundraiser for the DCCC at the Canfield house of Bruce Zoldan. About 70 people attended the event that raised well into the six figures. She was the House minority leader at the time.

That event was designed to tout Ryan's appointment to the powerful House Appropriations Committee.

Ryan, of Niles, D-17th, was actively seeking a seat on that committee at the time. During last year's election, Ryan assisted fellow Democrats in House races, and had said Pelosi told him his hard work would be rewarded. Democrats took control of the House last year and Ryan was appointed to the appropriations committee.

skolnick@vindy.com

Saturday, October 13, 2007