Johnson, Betras spar over endorsements

CANFIELD

Mahoning County Democratic Party Chairman David Betras is calling on U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson, a Republican, to withdraw his endorsement of Donald Trump over recent statements made by the GOP presidential nominee.

“It’s time for Bill Johnson to denounce these statements” from Trump, Betras said. “If you don’t, what will it take to get [Johnson] to condemn him?”

Betras specifically pointed to Trump’s comments Tuesday that supporters could stop Hillary Clinton, the Democratic presidential nominee, that could be interpreted as an allusion to shooting her. Trump and his campaign have said that’s a misinterpretation of what he said.

Betras also mentioned Trump’s comments about a Gold Star family, which has drawn objections from other Republicans.

In response, Johnson of Marietta, R-6th, said Clinton “lied to and disrespected Gold Star families following the Benghazi attack,” most Americans find her “untrustworthy,” and when Betras withdraws his endorsement of her, “then maybe he and I will have something to discuss.”

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