Rep. Wilson will have a primary election opponent

YOUNGSTOWN — U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson will have a Democratic primary opponent in his bid for a third two-year term serving the 6th Congressional District.

Jim Renner of North Benton, who runs a small contracting company, filed nominating petitions today to challenge Wilson, a Democrat from St. Clairsville, in the May 4 primary. This is the first time Renner is running for elected office.

The filing deadline to run in a partisan party primary is Thursday.

The 6th is quickly filling up with numerous candidates.

The Republican primary has three candidates with a fourth planning to file. There are also two third-party candidates who have filed for the congressional seat.

A wild card in that race — or possibly in the 17th Congressional District — is ex-U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr.

The former congressman is examining election data today for potential runs in the 6th or the 17th Congressional Districts, said Dennis Malloy, his communications director.

Traficant is not leaning toward either district or running as a Democrat, Republican or independent at this point, Malloy said.

In comparison to the 6th, it’s relatively quiet in the 17th District race.

As of Tuesday, the only candidates to file for the seat are Democrat Dan Moadus of Girard and Republican M.E. “Bing” Henderson of Tallmadge. Incumbent Tim Ryan, a Democrat from Niles, will file before Thursday’s filing deadline.

For the complete story, read Wednesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com