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U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson raised more than $100,000 in a little over two months
YOUNGSTOWN
U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson, the Republican incumbent in the 6th Congressional District, raised more than $100,000 in a little over two months while his Democratic opponent has yet to establish a campaign fund.
Johnson received $40,270 between Jan. 1 and Feb. 24, according to a filing with the Federal Election Commission.
The FEC also requires candidates running in Ohio’s March 15 primary to disclose all contributions of at least $1,000 with the agency online no later than 48 hours after receiving them starting Feb. 25 to the primary. Candidates don’t disclose expenditures to the FEC for that time period. That information is provided in second-quarter reports that must be filed by April 15.
As of late Monday, Johnson, a three-term incumbent from Marietta, had received $62,300 between Feb. 25 and Thursday. That includes at least $15,300 from a Thursday fundraiser in Mahoning County. It’s likely more as the price of tickets started at $150 and only those who gave at least $1,000 are included in the congressman’s filings.
With the recent contributions, Johnson’s campaign has raised more than $1 million for his re-election.
In comparison, Belpre Mayor Michael L. Lorentz, Johnson’s Democratic challenger, hasn’t filed paperwork with the FEC to start raising money.
A congressional candidate has to establish a campaign committee with the FEC once he raises at least $5,000.
Between Jan. 1 and Feb. 24, Johnson spent $68,468, including $1,391 for two days at the Boca Raton [Fla.] Resort and Club, a Waldorf Astoria property, as well as campaign stays at The Liaison Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., a Courtyard by Marriott in Columbus, and a Holiday Inn in Arlington, Va.
The largest expense was $30,355 to Communications Counsel Inc., Johnson’s Columbus-based media consultant.
As of Feb. 24, Johnson had $898,753 in his campaign fund.
In the 13th Congressional District, U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, the seven-term incumbent Democrat from Howland, raised $44,748 between Jan. 1 and Feb. 24.
He received at least $9,500 in additional contributions from Feb. 29 to Thursday.
Ryan’s campaign has raised more than $700,000 for his re-election.
John Luchansky of Boardman, his Democratic primary challenger, didn’t file anything with the FEC. Richard A. Morckel of Akron, Ryan’s Republican opponent, submitted paperwork establishing a campaign committee. But Morckel hasn’t filed documents yet showing he’s raised money.
Between Jan. 1 and Feb. 24, Ryan spent $107,020, including $17,680 to Black Pearl Farms, a resort in Madison, Md., for an “event expense,” $10,679 to Leo’s Ristorante in Howland for “event catering,” and $3,838 to the Norwood Club in New York City also for “event catering.”
Ryan’s campaign also paid $1,586 for two nights at the Hilton Hotel in New York City, and $264 for a night at the Hyatt Regency in Washington, D.C.
He also has lodging expenses for the Avalon Inn and Resort, and a Holiday Inn Express, both a short distance from his home.
As of Feb. 24, Ryan had $508,095 in his campaign fund.