After launching a successful write-in campaign to be the Democratic candidate for Ohio's 6th congressional district, Charlie Wilson emerged victorious as the district's representative.
Wilson defeated Republican Chuck Blasdel with 61 percent of the votes tabulated by press time, which did not include Athens County. Blasdel will follow governor-elect Ted Strickland as congressman for the district.
That district spans, from north to south, Mahoning to Scioto counties and includes eastern Athens County.
Once in office, Wilson will focus on reducing outsourcing in Ohio's job market and working with Ohio's coal production to decrease dependence on foreign oil, said Wilson's communications director, Jason Friedman.
Charlie's top priority is going to be the creation of good jobs with solid benefits
Friedman said. He's going to ask why we sign off on trade agreements that take jobs overseas.
Wilson also plans to improve the quality of Ohio's schools during his time in office, Friedman said.
Charlie would like to see more support for our public schools and local colleges and universities he said.
Friedman credited Wilson's win with the experience he brings to the office, having represented six of the 12 counties covered in the 6th district.
Blasdel is the speaker pro tempore of the Ohio House of Representatives and also represents the 1st district in the House. Facing Wilson with a campaign touting increased job development, tax reform and better health care provisions for senior citizens, Blasdel shared one strong similarity with his opponent, Friedman said: a solid campaign.
(Wilson is) really proud (both ran) a clean campaign that focused on the issues Friedman said.
After initially not having enough valid signatures to qualify for the primary and securing the Democratic nomination through a write-in campaign, Wilson's win is more than gratifying, Friedman said.
Given the roller-coaster ride Charlie Wilson has been on the last year and a half
(winning) makes it that more special
he said.
Blasdel could not be reached for comment.
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Stephanie Hummel
