Wheeling Intelligencer, October 5, 2020
U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Ohio, has represented the state’s eastern counties so well since 2011 that the last time he was on the ballot, in 2018, he won nearly 70% of the vote. That is a whopping vote of confidence in Johnson — and he has earned it.
An Air Force veteran who retired as a lieutenant colonel, Johnson’s background is impressive. Born and raised on a family farm where he learned traditional values such as respect for hard work, Johnson is a 21st century leader who, after military service, helped create two information technology companies.
Qualifications are not everything, however. Issues matter — and on them, Johnson has represented East Ohioans very well. He has fought successfully for coal and natural gas jobs, stood up for gun rights, defended the right to life of the unborn and insisted that Social Security, Medicare and other programs for senior citizens be maintained and funded adequately.
Johnson also has battled for expanded access to the internet in rural areas — questioning, it should be noted, government maps that are inaccurate in showing where broadband is available.
He is a champion of local control of schools, benefits for veterans and affordable health care for all, including those with pre-existing conditions.
On pressing national issues, Johnson’s thinking mirrors that of most of those he serves. He wants concrete action to reduce the national debt. As you might imagine, he is a perceptive advocate for a strong military.
Unlike some lawmakers, Johnson still considers East Ohio his home. Whenever possible, he is out and about listening to his constituents’ concerns. And, as some can testify, he gets involved and often gets results for those he serves.
In short, he has been the complete, effective package representing East Ohioans in Washington. For that reason, we endorse him in the Nov. 3 election, for the U.S. House of Representatives.