Ryan, Henderson stand out in the 17th District contests

Congressman Tim Ryan of Niles, seeking a fifth two-year term, has two challengers in his bid for the Democratic nomination in the May 4 primary, but neither has made the case for replacing an effective, hardworking representative of the 17th District.

His two opponents, businessman and former Girard Councilman Dan Moadus and Robert Crow of Youngstown, an airline liquor agent and owner of a company that buys and rehabilitates homes, are hoping to benefit from the anti-government sentiment reflected in the growing popularity of the Tea Party movement.

But the 17th District includes portions of Trumbull, Mahoning, Portage and Summit counties, and it is important to recognize that this region is only now beginning to recover from the collapse of manufacturing three decades ago. The idea that there is no benefit to be derived from the hundreds of millions of federal dollars coming to the area through the economic stimulus initiative is just plain silly.

Likewise, criticism leveled at Ryan for his strong support of the health-reform bill is little more than sound- bite politics. Even so, health care has emerged as a major issue in this election.

On the Republican side, both candidates for the party nomination are connected to the health care industry: Dr. Murrell “Bing” Henderson of Tallmadge is director of the Affinity Medical Center’s Department of Occupational Health in Massillon; Jim Graham of Cortland is manager of clinical pharmacy operations at Humility of Mary Health Partners.

Henderson and Graham are both opposed to the health-reform initiative, but neither offers any substantive solutions to the ever-increasing cost, the millions of Americans who do not have health insurance, which shifts the cost to those who do, or the egregious practices of some insurance companies.

Neither has a political track record; we looked at their backgrounds, life experiences and their positions on such issues as job creation in making an endorsement.

Henderson’s owning a small business and also serving as a medical missionary gave him a broader background and the advantage.

Thus, we endorse Henderson for the Republican nomination for the 17th District seat.

Looking ahead

Regardless of who wins the GOP race, the general election, barring a major political upset on May 4, will feature Ryan, who has established himself as a rising star in the Democratic controlled House of Representatives.

Ryan fingerprints are on just about every major project in the 17th, from V&M Star’s $650 million expansion to General Motors’ decision to build its new compact car, the Cruze, at its Lordstown plant.

The Vindicator endorses Ryan in the 17th District Democratic primary without reservation.