President Clinton Endorses Strickland in Senate Race

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ted Strickland picked up the endorsement of former President Bill Clinton in his pursuit of the Democratic nomination to challenge incumbent U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio.

Strickland announced in February that he would run against Portman, who i was elected in 2010, defeating Strickland’s lieutenant governor, Lee Fisher. Strickland lost reelection as Ohio governor the same year to John Kasich.

“Ted Strickland offers a unique blend of qualities we need more of in Washington today: a proven record of service to hard working Ohioans, energy, determination and idealism,” Clinton said, according to the statement issued by Strickland’s campaign.

“He knows how to reach across the aisle to find common ground and when Ohioans need him to stand his ground,” Clinton said in his prepared statement. “No one will care more, know more, and work harder for better opportunities for every Ohioan than Ted. I’m proud to support him.”

Strickland, who served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives during all but two years of Clinton’s presidency, was an active supporter of Hillary Clinton when she sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008.

Strickland said he is “profoundly grateful” to have the former president’s support.

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