UPDATE: Political leaders pay tribute to former US Rep. Charlie Wilson, who died at 70 today

UPDATE: Political leaders pay tribute to former US Rep. Charlie Wilson, who died at 70 today

By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR

jgoodwin@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

Political leaders remember former Congressman Charlie Wilson, who died today, as an advocate for the working man and a loyal friend.

Wilson died Sunday afternoon in a Florida hospital following complications from a stroke he had in February. Wilson enjoyed a lengthy political life beginning with his election to the Ohio House of Representatives in 1996 and ending in 2010 when he lost his bid for a third term in Congress. He lost a bid to return to the House in 2012.

Wilson was readmitted to Bethesda Hospital in Florida Saturday night. He died at 2:30 p.m. today.

Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern remembered his time working with Wilson in the state Legislature and offered condolences to Wilson’s girlfriend Angela Hatfield and the rest of the Wilson family.

“It is with much sadness that the people of Ohio mourn the loss of Congressman Charlie Wilson. I served with Charlie in the State Legislature for six years and he was a loyal friend in good times and bad. An outspoken advocate for working people, Charlie never wavered in his service to his constituents or his lifelong pursuit to help improve the lives of others,” he said. “Congressman Wilson will be missed by all those that had the pleasure to meet him and know his kindness. My thoughts and prayers are with Angela Hatfield and the entire Wilson family.”

U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson (R-Marietta) said he was saddened by the passing of a man he opposed in the political arena, but never saw as an enemy.

“LeeAnn and I were saddened to hear of the passing of former Congressman Charlie Wilson. Although Charlie and I were political opponents, we were never enemies. He served with honor in the Ohio state legislature and in Congress. We will be making a contribution in his memory to the scholarship fund named for him at Ohio University Eastern and we encourage others to do so, as well. May God’s healing and grace be with Charlie Wilson’s family in this time of sorrow.”

Wilson’s family, shortly after his death, released a statement regarding Wilson’s dedication to public service and the people of Ohio.

“Throughout his extraordinary life, Congressman Wilson was motivated by a desire to serve his country and a passion for the cause most important to the constituents of Southeast and East Ohio. Congressman Wilson served with honor, dignity and an unwavering sense of civic responsibility to the families of our region,” the statement said. “Charlie will be remembered for his boundless energy, his honest approach, and his dedication to improving the lives of our future generations... Our communities are better places for his service.”

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com.