C04Russo

C04Russo 11/3/98 Independence, OH Frank Russo, left, and Jimmy Dimora celebrate their wins at the Hilton South. Russo was reelected as Cuy. County Auditor, and Dimora was elected County commissioner. PD Larry Hamel-Lambert PLAIN DEALER FILE PHOTOGRAPH Ten years ago this month, Frank Russo, left, and Jimmy Dimora celebrated their election wins – Russo as county auditor and Dimora as county commissioner. Now a federal investigation not only threatens to upend their power – they both still hold the same offices – but also leadership at Cleveland City Hall. LARRY HAMEL-LAMBERT THE PLAIN DEALER Frank Russo, left, and Jimmy Dimora became the face of the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party after they won their respective races for auditor and commissioner in 1998. THE PLAIN DEALER Frank Russo, left, and Jimmy Dimora became the face of the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party after they won their respective races for auditor and commissioner in 1998. PLAIN DEALER FILE PHOTOGRAPHS Politicking was Cuyahoga County Commissioner Jimmy Dimora’s strength. Clockwise from top left: Dimora (far right) at then-Cleveland Mayor Jane Campbell’s birthday party in 2004 with Campbell adviser Michael Settonni, then-County Auditor Frank Russo and Lake County Commissioner Dan Troy; Dimora with County Prosecutor Bill Mason, a fellow Democratic Party leader, in 2002; Dimora and future colleague Tim Hagan, then a gubernatorial candidate, at a 2002 rally; Russo and Dimora, close friends and political allies, celebrate their elections in 1998; with then-Commissioners Tim McCormack and Jane Campbell in 1999. The Plain Dealer