Ohio Ping!
(Ping lists note: computer problems, should be corrected in the next day or two.)
Posted on 08/30/2010 8:05:44 PM PDT by Kaslin
Eastern Ohio is a place of industry: for many years, the area was home to some of the most productive factories and mines in the United States. Today, though industry has dissipated, the area is still reminiscent of those times and the people retain the conservative values that they embraced throughout the 20th century. The sixth district runs along the Southeast borders of the state, touching Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Kentucky. The district begins near Youngstown and continues south along the Ohio River through some of the most conservative parts of the state, including Steubenville, home of the Catholic Franciscan University. The district ends near the southern tip of Ohio, where the Wayne national forest is a bastion of green space tucked among the frequent factory towns that populate the banks of the Ohio River.
The 6th congressional district has a history of swinging between the parties. It is currently represented by Charlie Wilson – one of Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s most dedicated puppets. He votes with Pelosi an astonishing 98.1% of the time – leading some constituents to wonder if he represents their views or Nancy Pelosi’s ultra-liberal views. But it isn’t the first time locals have wondered about Charlie Wilson: when national Democrats recruited him to run in 2006, he failed to submit the required number of signatures to get on the ballot (he only needed 50 signatures from the district – his campaign managed to scrape together 46). His bungled attempt at filing for candidacy left many voters unsure of his ability to represent them in Washington, but after Union strongmen flooded the district with volunteers and Democrats in Washington spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on the race, Wilson was able to pull off a win in the primary and midterm elections.
When elected, Wilson pitched himself as a social conservative. That quickly unraveled when he voted for the Democrats’ healthcare takeover and cleared the way for taxpayer-funded abortions. Lately he has earned a reputation for avoiding his constituents and his opponents: his local office staff refused to talk to a constituent about Wilson’s support for Obamacare and he is currently refusing to appear at debates with GOP candidate Bill Johnson.
Voters in Ohio’s 6th are seeking a conservative choice this fall who is prepared to stand up to Nancy Pelosi and President Obama. Fortunately, Bill Johnson is running this year, and the election is sure to be an exciting one. Johnson has made it clear that his commitment to creating jobs in Ohio’s sixth is more than just a campaign slogan to him. Where Wilson has overseen a 66% increase in unemployment during his time in congress, Johnson is coming to the table with a real plan for improvement. Wilson thought supporting the government takeover of healthcare was a good idea, but Johnson sees the need for real reform that will lower costs and increase competition. Johnson’s experience in business will allow him to make decisions that benefit local workers instead of keeping them out of work or forcing them out of the district.
I hope you’ll take the time to learn more about Bill on his website or by visiting his YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter pages online.
Interesting...my son lives near Youngstown...will give him a heads up though he likely is aware.
Former Ohioan bump!
So I was looking for some information on this race. It looks like Mr. Johnson is a former military man, turned businessman. I don’t believe he’s ever been elected to public office. I’m not sure if he’s your standard GOP establishment candidate, or more of a Tea Party man.
Charlie Wilson has only been there since 2006, so he’s run in 2 very favorable years for Democrats. He’s voted the straight Democratic line, which means Cap & Tax, Stimulus, and Obamacare. Even in the Democratic year of 2008, McCain carried OH 6, 50-48. So, it seems there must be some people in that district who might vote GOP. Wilson, however, has won both races easily by over 20 points.
Congressional Quarterly has this seat listed as “safe Democratic”, but I don’t see how. Open Secrets says Wilson has $593,560, while Bill Johnson has $304,815.... hardly an overwhelming advantage. Seems like if Bill Johnson gets some money, gets to do some advertising, he’d have a good shot to win.
Ohio ping
Given that congressional election races tend to focus on local issues and personalities rather than national issues, this district will be tough to crack for the GOP. Bringing home the bacon from DC is more important than what is good for the nation in this area from Portsmouth to East Liverpool. Traditionally pro Dem and Union leaning, economically depressed since the 60’s, this is where the rust belt meets Appalachia. Also, given the rural nature of the district with scant media outlets, local organization is more important than advertising, and the GOP is lacking in this district. Never say never though.
Ohio Ping!
(Ping lists note: computer problems, should be corrected in the next day or two.)
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