Wilson and Johnson continue attacking one another

Facing an Ohio Elections Commission hearing on an accusation of making a false statement, Democrat Charlie Wilson’s campaign filed a complaint against U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson and his campaign, contending they made false statements.

A three-member panel of the Ohio Elections Commission meets Wednesday in Columbus to determine if there is probable cause that Johnson of Marietta, R-6th, and his campaign made false accusations.

Wilson of St. Clairsville, who served in the U.S. House for four years before losing to Johnson in 2010, is attempting to regain his seat in the 6th Congressional District in the Nov. 6 general election. The 18-county district includes all Columbiana County and the southern portion of Mahoning County.

A four-member Ohio Elections Commission panel unanimously voted last Thursday that there was probably cause that Wilson’s campaign falsely stated that Johnson “voted to kill Medicare.” That statement was called the “Lie of the Year,” by Politifact, a newspaper political fact-checking program.

The full commission is scheduled to meet Oct. 4 for a final hearing, said Phil Ritcher, its executive director.

For the complete story, read Tuesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com