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Johnson to seek GOP nomination
The candidate initially had considered a run in the 17th Congressional District.
POLAND — Add another Republican to the growing list of candidates in the 6th Congressional District.
Bill Johnson of Poland, who had given strong consideration to running for the 17th Congressional District seat, announced Thursday that he’ll seek the GOP nomination in the 6th.
Why the change?
“The 6th is a much more conservative district” than the 17th, Johnson said. “The support from those in the 6th has been tremendous. It was an easy decision to make.”
Johnson lives about a mile from the 6th Congressional District border. Members of Congress in Ohio don’t have to live in the district they serve, only in the state.
U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson, a Democrat from St. Clairsville who’s seeking his third two-year term to the seat, lives about two miles west of the 6th District.
Wilson filed his nominating petitions earlier this week.
Johnson retired as a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force in 1999 after serving for 27 years.
He is a former small-business owner, and since 2006 he’s served as chief information officer for Stoneridge, a Warren company that manufactures electronic components for the transportation industry.
Donald K. Allen of Boardman and Sam Hepfner of Salem already have filed as Republicans in the 12-county 6th District.
Also, Richard D. Stobbs of Colerain, who unsuccessfully ran for the 6th District seat in 2006 and 2008, said he plans to file by Thursday’s filing deadline.
The 6th District includes all of Columbiana County and a portion of Mahoning County.
Two third-party candidates have also filed for the congressional seat.
They are: Corey McCusker of Poland as a Libertarian, and Richard E. Cadle of North Jackson from the Constitution Party.
Johnson raised more than $107,000 for his congressional exploratory committee as of Dec. 31. Those funds will be transferred to a congressional campaign committee.
Allen raised $27,070 for his campaign as of Dec. 31.
Wilson raised $352,397 last year for his re-election bid.
Only candidates who raise or spend at least $5,000 have to file campaign-finance reports with the Federal Election Commission. None of the other candidates in the 6th District have filed reports.
skolnick@vindy.com