Hearing finds probable cause that Wilson ad makes false statements

Hearing finds probable cause that Wilson ad makes false statements

COLUMBUS — Democrat Charlie Wilson’s campaign is facing a final hearing, likely next month, before the Ohio Elections Commission, after a panel found probable cause that they made a false statement in a campaign ad against Republican U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson.

The complaint was brought by Cambridge resident Richie Oster against Wilson, who is hoping to take back his seat from Johnson, who defeated the incumbent two years ago in the 6th Congressional District.

At issue is a television commercial alleging Johnson of Marietta “voted to kill Medicare,” a claim that received a “Pants on Fire” — the lowest rating possible — by Politifact, a newspaper effort to verify campaign claims.

Mark Landes, legal counsel for Oster, said Johnson’s votes on two budget resolutions would not end Medicare.

But Don McTigue, legal counsel for Wilson of St. Clairsville, countered that Johnson supported budget resolutions that would end Medicare as it now exists, replacing it with a voucher system that could limit benefits.

No date for the hearing is scheduled, but Philip Richter, the commission’s executive director, said it could take place Oct. 4.

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