Strickland spokiesman says candidate backs use of coal

YOUNGSTOWN

Ex-Gov. Ted Strickland, the Democratic nominee for a U.S. Senate seat, spoke about renewable energy at a forum co-sponsored by two organizations that want to eliminate the use of coal.

Strickland’s participation in the Tuesday event during the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia drew criticism from Republicans who question his commitment to coal.

However, David Bergstein, a Strickland campaign spokesman, said the candidate went to the event to discuss the renewable energy bill he signed into law as governor in 2008, and he continues to back the use of coal.

Coal has been a major issue in Appalachia, where the former governor was born and raised, during his challenge to incumbent U.S. Sen. Rob Portman in one of the most watched Senate races in the country.

“He cares about coal miners and coal communities,” Bergstein said of Strickland. “Investing in clean energy can spark economic growth in coal communities.”

Read more on the matter in Saturday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.