43
Reps. Ryan, Wilson cruise through primary
By David Skolnick
YOUNGSTOWN
U.S. Reps. Tim Ryan and Charlie Wilson had little trouble dispatching challengers in the Democratic primaries for the 17th and 6th Congressional Districts.
They next face the winners of Tuesday’s Republican primaries as well as other candidates in the November general election.
Ryan of Niles beat ex-Girard Councilman Dan Moadus and Robert Crow of Youngstown. Ryan received about 80 percent of the vote in Tuesday’s Democratic primary, according to unofficial totals.
This was the first time Ryan, initially elected in 2002, had challengers in the Democratic primary.
“The No. 1 issue in the [general election] will be jobs and who is the best candidate to bring jobs to the community,” Ryan said. “We’ve been focused on that and will stay focused on that.”
Wilson of St. Clairsville beat Jim Renner of North Benton in Tuesday’s Democratic primary. The incumbent received about 70 percent of the vote.
“I’m pleased with the overwhelming support,” Wilson said. “I’m very proud. It’s evidence I’ve been voting the way the [district’s residents] want me to vote and doing the things that the people in this district want me to do.”
Jim Graham of Cortland defeated M.E. “Bing” Henderson of Tallmadge in the Republican primary for the 17th District. Graham received about 70 percent of the vote.
“The primary election is over and I’m focused on Tim Ryan,” Graham said.
Meanwhile, Bill Johnson of Poland beat Donald Allen of Boardman and Richard D. Stobbs of Dillonvale in the Republican primary for the 6th District.
Unofficial results show Johnson with about 44 percent of the vote compared to 36 percent for Allen and 20 percent for Stobbs.
“The people of the district spoke and they recognize and relate to our message,” Johnson said. “I’m humbled by the results. I truly believe that we’ll turn out Charlie Wilson’s liberal leadership.”
This was the first time Graham and Johnson have run for elected office.
All results are unofficial until certified by county boards of elections.
Ryan and Graham move on to the general election in November.
Elaine R. Mastromatteo, running as a Green Party write-in Tuesday, needed at least 25 votes to be on the November ballot. She had only 18 votes at presstime.
Looming in the 17th is ex-U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr. of Poland, who filed Monday as an independent candidate.
His nominating petitions must be certified by county boards of elections no later than July 15.
“Jim Traficant doesn’t bother me in the least,” Graham said. “It doesn’t bother me he joined the race. I don’t think he’ll be a factor in the race.”
The 17th District includes portions of Mahoning, Trumbull, Portage and Summit counties.
Wilson and Johnson will face off in the November general election. Also running for the 6th District seat is Libertarian Martin J. Elsass of Columbiana, and Richard E. Cadle of North Jackson, a Constitution Party candidate. Cory McCusker of Poland filed as an independent candidate in the 6th. Like Traficant, his nominating petitions must be reviewed for valid signatures.