The 7th District includes all or parts of Greene, Clark, Fayette, Ross, Pickaway, Franklin, Fairfield and Perry counties.
Here’s a look at the Democratic candidates:
James John Barton
“I’m not a politician, I’m a scientist,” said James John Barton, 63, a senior scientist for 3M. “That’s the difference.”
With a slogan of “Focus On Solutions,” Barton said he’s good at solving problems.
The main problem he wants to solve is the loss of jobs to overseas companies.
“I’m the only one with the jobs idea to bring jobs back from overseas by changing our United States patent law,” he said.
Barton wants to seek laws to permit protection of a product only when it’s made in the U.S.
He also wants to bring more federal money to the 7th district, and he wants to encourage development of green technology. He is a resident of Pickerington, a Columbus suburb.
His website is www.james johnbarton.com.
Bill Conner
Bill Conner, 66, of Beavercreek, was the Democratic nominee in 2006, losing to former Republican Congressman Dave Hobson. In 2008, he lost in the Democratic primary.
This time, “I was really hoping somebody would step up who I could support,” he said. “That did not happen.”
An engineer and retired U.S. Air Force major, Conner’s top issues include ending “corporate control” of Congress to balance the budget; tax reform; and jobs and the economy.
“I run on the issues and I think the issues support me,” he said. “I think I have a good chance.”
Conner’s campaign website is www.connerforus.com.
Olivia Freeman
Olivia Freeman, 54, of Fairborn, believes that education brings businesses, businesses bring jobs and then comes prosperity.
A U.S. Army vet, a marketing professional and a mom, Freeman said she has the know-how and the enthusiasm to get things done in Washington, D.C.
In talking to people across the district, Freeman said she heard the most about the lack of jobs. Her other priorities include fiscal responsibility in government, food safety and security and energy independence.
One of her concerns is that there are programs already in place that many people don’t know about and she wants to establish an online newsletter, Channel Z, to disseminate districtwide information.
“The reason why you’ll want to vote for me is because I bring common sense to the table,” Freeman said. “And quite frankly, we need to get a negotiator at the table, because if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.”
Freeman’s campaign website is www.oliviafor congress.com.
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