Daniel Johnson (naval officer)
Encyclopedia
Daniel H. Johnson is a former assistant district attorney
in Wake County, North Carolina
and a veteran of the United States Navy
who received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal
for saving the life of a crewmate on the USS Blue Ridge
in 1999. As a result of that incident, both of Johnson's legs were amputated below the knee.
In 2007, Johnson resigned as a Wake County prosecutor, moved back to his hometown of Hickory
, and announced that he would run for election to the United States House of Representatives
in North Carolina's 10th congressional district
. He lost to incumbent Rep. Patrick McHenry on November 4, 2008. In 2009, he opened a solo criminal defense practice in Raleigh.
, Johnson began his service as an officer in the United States Navy. On August 23, 1999, while serving aboard U.S.S. Blue Ridge near South Korea
, Johnson risked his own life to save a fellow serviceman. Both survived, but Johnson lost both of his legs below the knee. For his bravery, Johnson received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, the second highest peacetime medal for heroism.
Johnson is a member of American Legion
Post 48.
of Georgia. Johnson then enrolled in law school at UNC
, where he met his wife, Creecy. He began his legal career as a prosecutor in Wake County, North Carolina, and quickly worked his way up from handling misdemeanor DWI
cases to felony assignments, including drug trafficking, robbery, and murder.
In 2007-2008, Johnson was an attorney at Sigmon, Clark, Mackie, Hutton, Hanvey & Ferrell, P.A. in his hometown of Hickory. He and his wife were members of the First Presbyterian Church of Hickory, where his father has been the senior minister for eighteen years. Daniel and Creecy's daughter, Bowen, was born on June 21, 2008.
termed "competitive."
Johnson won the May 6, 2008 Democratic primary election
with approximately 60 percent of the vote.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
added Johnson to its "Red to Blue" program in September 2008, indicating confidence that Johnson had momentum and could win in November.
The Hickory Daily Record
endorsed Johnson on October 31, writing, "We need independent-thinking candidates who will not be guided by their own political aspirations."
"The cost of healthcare is out of control and Daniel plans to find real solutions that drive down costs while maintaining quality of care. He supports government programs that work like S-CHIP
, which insures millions of children nationwide; helping small businesses afford coverage for their employees through tax breaks and risk pools; and encouraging private insurers to offer fair and sensible coverage."
"As a Christian and an avid outdoorsman, Daniel feels it is necessary to be a responsible steward of God's creation. He wants to protect the mountains, forests and streams that make the 10th District such a beautiful place to live and raise a family. He will work with industry to promote reasonable policies that protect North Carolina's natural resources. He will support incentives for investment in clean, renewable energy. Daniel also will encourage opening more federal and state land to hunting and fishing."
"As the son of a public school teacher, Daniel Johnson understands that the bedrock of our region's success will be the education of our children. Daniel will work to reform "No Child Left Behind" so that it includes the adequate funding and useful standards struggling schools need to improve. Teachers need to be adequately compensated and young people need to be recruited, trained, and encouraged to pursue this honorable profession. Math and science must be a top priority so that our high school, technical school, and college graduates enter the workforce ready to compete in the global marketplace. Daniel will help promote partnerships between our public schools and our business community to find practical solutions that give our children every advantage. And Daniel will fight to make technical school, community college, and four-year college affordable for every student that qualifies."
"Daniel knows energy independence is an economic issue, a security issue, and a moral issue. Sky-rocketing gas prices are creating an enormous strain on our families and our small businesses. At the same time, the United States' dependence on Middle East oil leaves our national security at the mercy of unstable and sometimes hostile foreign regimes. Daniel will help government work with private industry and consumers to increase the efficiency of fossil fuel use while simultaneously encouraging the production and viable use of renewable resources. These efforts will drive down gas prices, secure our nation, create jobs, and protect our natural resources."
"America owes its prosperity and freedom to the veterans of our armed services. As a decorated Naval officer, Daniel Johnson understands the great sacrifices made daily by our soldiers and sailors. The men and women who wear the uniform in defense of our country deserve every possible resource to meet their objectives in battle and to lead healthy, productive lives when they return home. Daniel will never stop fighting for our military men and women and their families, to ensure that they receive the benefits, healthcare, and support that they have so dutifully earned."
"Since September 11, 2001, our troops have performed above and beyond the call of duty in their military campaign. Daniel believes Congress has the obligation to provide the military with the resources it needs and to hold the White House accountable for its policy on fighting terror. He will help increase pressure on the Iraqis to take responsibility for their own peace and security. And he will ensure that our nation is prepared to confront the ever-changing battlefield of the global war on terror by strengthening our military, increasing our diplomatic efforts, and protecting possible domestic targets."
"Daniel knows Congress has been failing its most fundamental responsibility - stewardship of our tax dollars. Since 2004, our nation's debt has increased by $1.6 trillion, 25% of which is held by China, and that number increases by $1 million every minute. Daniel recognizes we must cut wasteful spending and unnecessary corporate subsidies. He fight for a balanced budget but at the same time, Daniel knows too many Americans are paying too much in federal taxes. He plans to bring tax relief to the core of America - middle class and working class families, small businesses and entrepreneurs."
"The only exports that NAFTA
and CAFTA produced were American jobs, and Western North Carolina was the hardest hit. He will fight for fair, enforceable trade laws that protect American jobs and increase the export of American products. Daniels will invest in our infrastructure and new technologies to attract new employers to the district."
District attorney
In many jurisdictions in the United States, a District Attorney is an elected or appointed government official who represents the government in the prosecution of criminal offenses. The district attorney is the highest officeholder in the jurisdiction's legal department and supervises a staff of...
in Wake County, North Carolina
Wake County, North Carolina
Wake County is a county located in the U.S. state of North Carolina. As of the 2010 census, the population was 900,993 making it North Carolina's second most populated county...
and a veteran of the United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
who received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal
Navy and Marine Corps Medal
The Navy and Marine Corps Medal is the second highest non-combatant medal awarded by the United States Department of the Navy to members of the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps...
for saving the life of a crewmate on the USS Blue Ridge
USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19)
USS Blue Ridge is the lead ship of the two Blue Ridge-class command ships of the U.S. Navy, and is the command ship of the United States Seventh Fleet. Her primary role is to provide Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence support to the commander and staff of the United...
in 1999. As a result of that incident, both of Johnson's legs were amputated below the knee.
In 2007, Johnson resigned as a Wake County prosecutor, moved back to his hometown of Hickory
Hickory, North Carolina
Hickory is a city in Catawba County, North Carolina. Hickory has the 162nd largest urban area in the United States. As of the 2000 census, the Metropolitan Statistical Area had a population of 341,851, making it the 4th largest metropolitan area in North Carolina. The city's population was 37,222...
, and announced that he would run for election to the United States House of Representatives
United States House of Representatives
The United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
in North Carolina's 10th congressional district
North Carolina's 10th congressional district
The 10th Congressional District of North Carolina is a Congressional district in central and western North Carolina. It currently includes all of Avery, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Lincoln and Mitchell counties, along with parts of Gaston, Iredell and Rutherford counties.The district is...
. He lost to incumbent Rep. Patrick McHenry on November 4, 2008. In 2009, he opened a solo criminal defense practice in Raleigh.
Military service
After graduating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel HillUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public research university located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States...
, Johnson began his service as an officer in the United States Navy. On August 23, 1999, while serving aboard U.S.S. Blue Ridge near South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
, Johnson risked his own life to save a fellow serviceman. Both survived, but Johnson lost both of his legs below the knee. For his bravery, Johnson received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal, the second highest peacetime medal for heroism.
Johnson is a member of American Legion
American Legion
The American Legion is a mutual-aid organization of veterans of the United States armed forces chartered by the United States Congress. It was founded to benefit those veterans who served during a wartime period as defined by Congress...
Post 48.
Early career
After recovering from his injuries, Johnson worked on Capitol Hill for U.S. Senator Max ClelandMax Cleland
Joseph Maxwell Cleland is an American politician from Georgia. Cleland, a Democrat, is a disabled US Army veteran of the Vietnam War, a recipient of the Silver Star and the Bronze Star for valorous action in combat, and a former U.S. Senator...
of Georgia. Johnson then enrolled in law school at UNC
University of North Carolina School of Law
The University of North Carolina School of Law is a professional school within the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Established in 1845, Carolina Law is among the oldest law schools in the nation and is the oldest law school in North Carolina. It is consistently ranked in the top-tier...
, where he met his wife, Creecy. He began his legal career as a prosecutor in Wake County, North Carolina, and quickly worked his way up from handling misdemeanor DWI
DWI
DWI is an acronym which means:* Driving while intoxicated, see Driving under the influence* Driving while impaired* Danish West Indies* Diffusion-weighted imaging, a technique used in magnetic resonance imaging* Drinking Water Inspectorate...
cases to felony assignments, including drug trafficking, robbery, and murder.
In 2007-2008, Johnson was an attorney at Sigmon, Clark, Mackie, Hutton, Hanvey & Ferrell, P.A. in his hometown of Hickory. He and his wife were members of the First Presbyterian Church of Hickory, where his father has been the senior minister for eighteen years. Daniel and Creecy's daughter, Bowen, was born on June 21, 2008.
Congressional campaign
Daniel Johnson announced in late 2007 his run for Congress, and was able to raise more than $123,000 in campaign funds during the fourth quarter of 2007, an amount the Hickory Daily RecordHickory Daily Record
Hickory Daily Record is a newspaper based in Hickory, North Carolina. It is owned by Media General....
termed "competitive."
Johnson won the May 6, 2008 Democratic primary election
Primary election
A primary election is an election in which party members or voters select candidates for a subsequent election. Primary elections are one means by which a political party nominates candidates for the next general election....
with approximately 60 percent of the vote.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is the Democratic Hill committee for the United States House of Representatives, working to elect Democrats to that body. They play a critical role in recruiting candidates, raising funds, and organizing races in districts that are expected to yield...
added Johnson to its "Red to Blue" program in September 2008, indicating confidence that Johnson had momentum and could win in November.
The Hickory Daily Record
Hickory Daily Record
Hickory Daily Record is a newspaper based in Hickory, North Carolina. It is owned by Media General....
endorsed Johnson on October 31, writing, "We need independent-thinking candidates who will not be guided by their own political aspirations."
Issues
Johnson announced plans to focus on several issues during his congressional campaign, including:- Healthcare
"The cost of healthcare is out of control and Daniel plans to find real solutions that drive down costs while maintaining quality of care. He supports government programs that work like S-CHIP
State Children's Health Insurance Program
The State Children's Health Insurance Program – later known more simply as the Children's Health Insurance Program – is a program administered by the United States Department of Health and Human Services that provides matching funds to states for health insurance to families with children...
, which insures millions of children nationwide; helping small businesses afford coverage for their employees through tax breaks and risk pools; and encouraging private insurers to offer fair and sensible coverage."
- Protecting our natural resources
"As a Christian and an avid outdoorsman, Daniel feels it is necessary to be a responsible steward of God's creation. He wants to protect the mountains, forests and streams that make the 10th District such a beautiful place to live and raise a family. He will work with industry to promote reasonable policies that protect North Carolina's natural resources. He will support incentives for investment in clean, renewable energy. Daniel also will encourage opening more federal and state land to hunting and fishing."
- Education
"As the son of a public school teacher, Daniel Johnson understands that the bedrock of our region's success will be the education of our children. Daniel will work to reform "No Child Left Behind" so that it includes the adequate funding and useful standards struggling schools need to improve. Teachers need to be adequately compensated and young people need to be recruited, trained, and encouraged to pursue this honorable profession. Math and science must be a top priority so that our high school, technical school, and college graduates enter the workforce ready to compete in the global marketplace. Daniel will help promote partnerships between our public schools and our business community to find practical solutions that give our children every advantage. And Daniel will fight to make technical school, community college, and four-year college affordable for every student that qualifies."
- Energy independence
"Daniel knows energy independence is an economic issue, a security issue, and a moral issue. Sky-rocketing gas prices are creating an enormous strain on our families and our small businesses. At the same time, the United States' dependence on Middle East oil leaves our national security at the mercy of unstable and sometimes hostile foreign regimes. Daniel will help government work with private industry and consumers to increase the efficiency of fossil fuel use while simultaneously encouraging the production and viable use of renewable resources. These efforts will drive down gas prices, secure our nation, create jobs, and protect our natural resources."
- Caring for our veterans
"America owes its prosperity and freedom to the veterans of our armed services. As a decorated Naval officer, Daniel Johnson understands the great sacrifices made daily by our soldiers and sailors. The men and women who wear the uniform in defense of our country deserve every possible resource to meet their objectives in battle and to lead healthy, productive lives when they return home. Daniel will never stop fighting for our military men and women and their families, to ensure that they receive the benefits, healthcare, and support that they have so dutifully earned."
- Military/national security
"Since September 11, 2001, our troops have performed above and beyond the call of duty in their military campaign. Daniel believes Congress has the obligation to provide the military with the resources it needs and to hold the White House accountable for its policy on fighting terror. He will help increase pressure on the Iraqis to take responsibility for their own peace and security. And he will ensure that our nation is prepared to confront the ever-changing battlefield of the global war on terror by strengthening our military, increasing our diplomatic efforts, and protecting possible domestic targets."
- Lowering taxes and cutting spending
"Daniel knows Congress has been failing its most fundamental responsibility - stewardship of our tax dollars. Since 2004, our nation's debt has increased by $1.6 trillion, 25% of which is held by China, and that number increases by $1 million every minute. Daniel recognizes we must cut wasteful spending and unnecessary corporate subsidies. He fight for a balanced budget but at the same time, Daniel knows too many Americans are paying too much in federal taxes. He plans to bring tax relief to the core of America - middle class and working class families, small businesses and entrepreneurs."
- Bringing Jobs Home
"The only exports that NAFTA
North American Free Trade Agreement
The North American Free Trade Agreement or NAFTA is an agreement signed by the governments of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, creating a trilateral trade bloc in North America. The agreement came into force on January 1, 1994. It superseded the Canada – United States Free Trade Agreement...
and CAFTA produced were American jobs, and Western North Carolina was the hardest hit. He will fight for fair, enforceable trade laws that protect American jobs and increase the export of American products. Daniels will invest in our infrastructure and new technologies to attract new employers to the district."
External links
- Campaign site
- Campaign YouTube channel
- Hickory Navy hero weighs congressional run
- Charlotte Observer: Johnson begins his challenge for McHenry's seat
- One Heel's hero
- Johnson, Cumpsty Receive Distinguished Young Alumnus Awards
- Secretary of the Navy Richard Danzig (see under Photos)
- All Hands - Magazine of the US Navy
- George Will: Where honor and responsibility still exist
- UNC Naval ROTC Alumni Association
- News & Observer profile
- Congressional Candidate Daniel Johnson Says the Public Is Tired of Bickering, Wants Solutions
- Charlotte Observer endorses Johnson
- North Carolina Democratic Party