Traci Johnson : "I Am Not a Plant for Fisher"

This has to be the greatest, right-to-the-point, opening line of any press release, ever: "I am not a plant from the Fisher for Ohio campaign! The subject of the press release is "I am not a plant!"

So does this mean she's working for Fisher? (Joking!) Seriously, I have no idea what to believe. The whole thing seems really sketchy, but at the same time could be completely legit. What's most unusual about it is the timing of her entrance. No one said "boo" about other candidates until Thursday. OhioDaily had been watching the fourth candidate (Charlena Bradley) for several weeks after she pulled petitions in Cuyahoga County, then did the pre-check. But honestly, I'm not sure anyone expected her to actually make it to pre-check, pass, then file. To hear reports about Fisher's campaign paying people for the specific purpose of circulating petitions (which we have yet to actually confirm), tells you that this is not an easy task. So how do two relative unknowns do it without making a sound? Draw your own conclusions. I'm still trying to sort mine out.

Here's the TJ Johnson release:

I am not a plant from the Fisher for Ohio campaign! I have experienced the decline in our state's economy, loss of jobs and increased healthcare cost. Concerned about these issues and inspired to make a difference; I have decided to run for the office of United States Senator for the State of Ohio.

My experience within the Ohio Attorney General’s office has equipped me to serve the people of Ohio. During my employment, I fought to make Ohio businesses compete fairly and encouraged competition in Ohio’s marketplace, promoting competition, and encouraging the production of quality goods and services at the lowest prices. I fought to protect Ohio consumers from businesses that engage in fraudulent or unfair business practices and provided consumers with prevention education.  As an Investigator over 87 Ohio Counties, I identified, investigated, and worked to prosecute workers’ compensation fraudulent claims that attempted to undermine the integrity of our system. 

My commitment and passion to serve others and to improve the community in which we live, spans over 20 years.

· As a Civic Leader, I worked to strengthen and improve organizations that improve our community;

· As Public Servant, I provided hardworking families with the tools need to succeed; providing leadership on a wide range of important issues facing this State and worked tirelessly to create positive change in our community.

· As a Community Advocate, I worked to eradicate homelessness, empower our youth and worked to improve Fiscal Responsibility, Education, Affordable Healthcare and provided employment opportunity for the people of Ohio.

“I will bring my diverse experience obtained from Ohio’s Government, Private, Nonprofit and Community Service sectors to the US Senate.” Today, Ohio has an opportunity to make history by electing the 1st African American and 1st Women United States Senator for the State of Ohio. If elected I will be the only African American Women in the United States Senate.