Relief, outrage, even veiled charges of political favors came from independent and party-affiliated candidates.
Former County Commissioner Tim McCormack called the 21 charges and resignation 'just the first big piece' of what could be further disclosures that hurt the county.
TIM McCORMACK: "I think the whole thing is sad quite frankly. Sad for this community that evidentially there is an admission to lots of things that drag us down. It's sad for the individuals who got apparently got caught up in this. It's not a good day."
GOP candidate Matt Dolan felt charges could have been leveled sooner, but that Russo, and by implication - the Democratic Party - likely wanted to complete primary elections first.
MATT DOLAN: "It's all about politics with them- it's nothing about policy. I'm sure Frank Russo had this deal in place for a long period of time, but he decided to play politics with it, rather than do what's best for the county - which would have been resign---- years ago."
While Democratic candidate Ed Fitzgerald was looking at not only damage done to Cuyahoga County, but to another set of charges to come.
ED FITZGERALD: "It's really been an awful situation. It's really paralyzed county government. It's helped undermine people's trust in their local government. I'm glad that it finally happened. I'm sorry it took so long to happen but I'm glad it finally happened and I hope that Mr. Dimora is taking notes, and that he'll be next."
Each candidate says a new administration with him leading it would focus on rooting out remnants of the current regime, then building a new, more ethical government.
Some analysts say it was this two-year investigation that caused voters to approve county reform one year ago.
The election they hope marks a new beginning for the county, is just seven weeks off.
