Columbiana Dems mourn loss of chairman

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Columbiana County Democratic Party is mourning the loss of longtime party Chairman Dennis Johnson.

He died early Saturday due to complications of leukemia, according to the organization’s Facebook page.

The party said in a statement that it “is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our beloved friend and longtime Chairman, Denny Johnson. He was a brilliant strategist for the Democratic Party and a powerful voice for the people of Columbiana County.”

He was named party chairman in August 1991, according to Vindicator files. He also worked for U.S. Reps. James A. Traficant Jr. and Charlie Wilson, who are both deceased.

“Denny was a strong supporter of his candidates and believed in the rights of the hard-working people of this county. He never hesitated to reach across party lines when needed, as his main priority was good government. Our condolences go out to his family members and wife, Marion, their two daughters, Casey and Jessica, and to his son, Rob,” the statement concluded.

Mahoning County Commissioner Anthony T. Traficanti was a friend of Johnson’s going back to their days working for Traficant. He remembers Johnson for his humor and how he treated everybody with respect regardless of political affiliation.

“I will sadly miss him,” Traficanti said.

Dave Johnson was Dennis Johnson’s counterpart serving as the Columbiana County Republican Party chairman since 1989. But while each served as the “Johnson” for their respective parties, the two worked closely together to better serve Columbiana County.

“He was the first to put politics aside,” he said.

On the eve of each election, the two would get together for dinner – placing bets on which candidates would win from local to national elections with the loser to buy dinner next time.

“The county will miss him,” he said.