OHIO Ex-Georgia senator endorses Strickland

The gubernatorial candidate called Max Cleland 'a true American hero.'
By DAVID SKOLNICK
VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER
CANFIELD -- U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland, a 2006 Democratic gubernatorial candidate, is a "man of honor" and deserves to be elected to the state's highest office, said a former U.S. senator.
Former U.S. Sen. Max Cleland of Georgia, a Vietnam War veteran, told a crowd of about 75 people -- largely veterans and union officials -- that Strickland of Lisbon, D-6th, has fought hard for veterans' benefits.
"You have a great chance next year to put a great man in the governor's office who will not only clean up corruption in Ohio, but will lead it back to prosperity," Cleland said.
Strickland, Cleland and state Rep. John Boccieri of New Middletown, D-61st, stopped at three veterans memorials Monday. Boccieri, an Air Force Reserve pilot, served four recent tours of duty in Iraq.
The trio started in Dayton, then Columbus and ended the day at the Veterans' Memorial Log Cabin at the Canfield Fairgrounds.
"As a member of Congress, I have worked to see that our nation keeps its promises to our veterans," Strickland said. "As governor, I will work hard [to] be a strong voice for Ohio's veterans at the Statehouse."
Strickland, a member of the U.S. Committee on Veterans Affairs, is a strong advocate for veterans, Cleland said.
Background
Cleland is a triple amputee who lost the limbs when he picked up another soldier's grenade as it exploded in 1968 while serving in the Vietnam War.
Strickland called Cleland "a true American hero."
Cleland served one term in the U.S. Senate, is the former head of the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs under President Carter, served as Georgia's secretary of state, and is a former member of that state's Senate.
"It's not surprising that one former member of Congress is endorsing a member of Congress," said Dan Trevas, spokesman for Columbus Mayor Mike Coleman, who is also running in the 2006 Democratic gubernatorial race.
During the Canfield stop, Strickland and Cleland criticized Republican leadership in Ohio and on the national level.
Strickland and Cleland actively campaigned last year in Ohio for U.S. Sen. John Kerry, the failed Democratic presidential candidate.
skolnick@vindy.com