Three of the state’s four Democratic U.S. House members endorse Ted Strickland for Senate

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Three of Ohio’s four Democratic members of the U.S. House are endorsing former Gov. Ted Strickland in his bid for the U.S. Senate seat in 2016.

U.S. Reps. Tim Ryan of Howland, D-13th; Marcia L. Fudge of Warrensville Heights, D-11th; and Joyce Beatty of Columbus, D-3rd, backed Strickland in statements issued Friday by the former governor’s campaign.

“Former Gov. Strickland is a champion for working Ohioans,” Ryan said. “I know that he will fight every day so that all the people of this great state have a shot at the American Dream.”

The three previously issued a joint statement in December backing David Pepper for state Democratic Party chairman.

As with Pepper, U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur of Toledo, D-9th, hasn’t taken a position on the Senate race.

Cincinnati Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld also is seeking the Democratic nomination for the seat held by U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, a Republican from Terrace Park, near Cincinnati.