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Former congressman Wilson suffers stroke in Florida
YOUNGSTOWN
Former U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson, who was eyeing a possible run next year for Ohio treasurer, suffered a stroke in Florida and is in a medically induced coma.
Wilson, a Democrat from St. Clairsville, was admitted as a patient last Thursday at the JFK Memorial Center in West Palm Beach and is in critical condition. He was on vacation in the West Palm Beach area when the stroke occurred.
His family issued a statement that reads: “Doctors and family are hopeful that the congressman will make a full recovery. They also appreciate the thoughts and concerns and ask that you continue to keep him in your prayers. To assist Charlie in reaching a full recovery, the family asks that you respect their privacy.”
WTOV, a Wheeling, W.Va., television station, reported Wilson may have suffered a brain aneurysm.
“My prayers go out to Charlie and his family,” said Mahoning County Democratic Party Chairman David Betras. “I’m very saddened by this. He’s a great elected official and a great person.”
Wilson served four years in the U.S. House before losing in 2010 to Republican Bill Johnson of Marietta. Johnson beat Wilson last year in a rematch.
Wilson served 10 years in the state Legislature, and was first elected to the U.S. House in 2006 in the 6th District, which includes all of Columbiana County and the southern portion of Mahoning County.
Wilson, 70, told The Vindicator a few weeks ago that he was looking at a potential run in 2014 for state treasurer, adding, “but it’s way too early to commit.”