The Trumbull County Democratic Party will elect a replacement Jan. 15 for departing commissioner Michael J. O'Brien, who was elected mayor of Warren in November and will assume his new position after the first of the year.

County Treasurer and county Democratic Party Chairman Christ Michelakis listed six candidates who have approached him with interest in filling the position, but said that does not necessarily include all those interested in succeeding O'Brien.

The candidates are: Donald Barzak, David Cook, James Herrholtz Sr., Gwen Logan, James MacKenzie and Danny Polivka.

The winner will assume the remainder of O'Brien's term, which expires Jan. 2, 2005. Michelakis said the winner will have to receive 50 percent plus one of the approximately 270 votes that may be cast by Democrats in the precinct.

The party has to appoint a replacement commissioner no sooner than seven and no later than 45 days after O'Brien assumes his new role, Michelakis said.