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Ohio elections panel dismisses complaints of Johnson and Wilson
By MaRC Kovac
COLUMBUS
The Ohio Election Commission has dismissed dueling complaints against Republican U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson and Democratic challenger Charlie Wilson.
The decision came after legal counsel for both sides agreed to abandon their complaints. Separate hearings before the elections commission were set for Thursday after earlier probable cause panels determined that both campaigns made potential false statements.
Wilson, of St. Clairsville, a former congressman who was defeated by Johnson of Marietta two years ago and who is hoping to retake the seat, was facing a hearing for a video advertisement that stated the incumbent had voted to “kill Medicare.” Johnson, meanwhile, faced a hearing for a press release alleging Wilson had made multiple false “statements,” when only one “statement” was in question. Both sides claimed victory Thursday.
“Charlie Wilson has already admitted to the press that he has been lying about Bill Johnson,” said Mark Weaver, Johnson’s campaign spokesman. “Voters can’t trust Charlie Wilson.”
“It’s no surprise this complaint has been dropped,” Wilson countered in a released statement. “Congressman Johnson should be ashamed of his actions and for his attempt to distract voters by using this political theater.”
The two are running in the 6th Congressional District race, which includes all of Columbiana County and the southern portion of Mahoning County.