US Sen. Sherrod Brown endorses Ted Strickland

YOUNGSTOWN ­— Calling him “a champion for middle-class Ohioans,” U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown today endorsed ex-Gov. Ted Strickland in the 2016 Senate race.

Brown of Cleveland backed his longtime friend and political ally Strickland of the Columbus area in the latter’s bid to capture the Democratic nomination for a seat currently held by Republican Rob Portman of the Cincinnati area.

Strickland “has spent his life working to create opportunity for working families in every corner of our state. I’m proud to offer him my endorsement in Ohio’s Senate race,” Brown said.

In response, Strickland said, “We are pleased and grateful to receive an endorsement from the esteemed U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown. Sen. Brown has been a strong voice for working and middle-class families in Ohio throughout his distinguished career.”

Also seeking the Democratic nomination for the Senate seat next year is Cincinnati Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld.

Sittenfeld told a number of Democrats he’d get out of the race if Strickland ran. Sittenfeld, however, for now, has opted to remain a Senate candidate.

For the complete story, read Tuesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com