Although Democratic incumbent Charlie Wilson swept Athens County with about 62 percent of the votes, he faced defeat against Republican challenger Bill Johnson in last night's race for the 6th Congressional District of Ohio.
I knew it was going to be a hard fight
Johnson said. I'm pleased with the results.
District-wide, Johnson received about 102,000 or about 50 percent of the votes cast, while Wilson gathered about 91,000 or about 45 percent of the votes.
Two third-party candidates, Constitution Party challenger Richard Cadle and Libertarian Party challenger Martin Elsass, also ran for the 6th District seat.
Cadle received about 5,000 or about 3 percent of the total votes in the district, and Elsass received about 4,500 or about 2 percent of the votes.
The 6th Congressional District encompasses Athens, Belmont, Columbiana, Gallia, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mahoning, Meigs, Monroe, Noble, Scioto and Washington counties.
In Athens County, the results were reversed. Wilson won about 7,000 votes or about 62 percent of the votes cast in the county compared to Johnson's about 4,000 or 34 percent of the votes.
Cadle received about 200 or about 2 percent of the votes in the county and Elsass received about 250 or about 2 percent of the votes.
Official election results will not be available until Nov. 16.
Johnson said he was confidant entering into today's elections and that the results - electing a Republican to represent the 6th District - reflected a change in the desires of the American people.
(Americans) don't want politics as usual he said. They want solutions and I am humbled and honored to have been chosen to effect this change.
Johnson credits the current administration's out-of-control spending and the emphasis on big government as reasons that voters shifted from a Democratic to a Republican representative.
Elsass, an advocate for smaller government and less taxes, said he was disappointed with the results, stating that he anticipated a larger turnout to vote.
I wish (Johnson) the best
Elsass said. I will be keeping an eye on him and his voting record.
Although Cadle and Wilson were unavailable for comment, Wilson released an e-mail statement congratulating Johnson on his victory and stating that it was an honor to serve the people of Ohio.
Johnson said he would like to see a balanced budget and the health care bill repealed while serving his term.
Johnson reiterated a statement made by representative for the 8th District of Ohio John Boehner, stating that his victory in the 6th District is not a win for a particular political party or candidate, but a win for the American people.
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Ryan Clark
