Updated 12:45 p.m.
By Jim Tankersley
Hillary Clinton has scored the most coveted Democratic endorsement from arguably the most important swing state in the nation: Gov. Ted Strickland of Ohio.
As the Tribune first reported this morning, Strickland, the first-year governor with sky-high approval ratings, endorsed Clinton on a noon conference call. He praised the New York senator's experience - "These are very serious times for our nation and the world, and I believe we need a serious leader who is able to bring about the change we desperately need" - and perhaps most importantly, called her the Democrat best-positioned to win his critical state next fall.
In Ohio, Strickland said, "She is the strongest candidate that our party can put forth, and she is the candidate who can win the presidency."
Strickland is a pro-gun former Methodist minister who broke a 16-year Republican hold on the governorship last year. He won huge swaths of normally red rural Ohio, which analysts call key for a Democrat seeking the state's 20 crucial electoral votes.
His support could provide a counterpunch to Clinton's rivals' claims that she is too polarizing to win a general election. A new Ohio Poll from the University of Cincinnati today pegs the governor's approval rating at 69 percent, including 65 percent among Republicans and 68 percent among independents.
Clinton, Strickland said today, is the "most effective carrier" among the Democratic contenders of the "kitchen table" or "dinner-bucket" message that helped him win the governorship by 23 percentage points in 2006.
Clinton said she was "very honored" by the endorsement and praised Strickland for passing a fiscally conservative budget this year that won wide Republican support. "Obviously, the road to the White House goes through Ohio," she said. "I'm going to be very proud and grateful to have Gov. Strickland on that road with me."
The pair go way back: They worked together on her ill-fated universal health care plan in the 1990s, when Clinton was First Lady and Strickland was a congressman from southern Ohio. Strickland has long called Clinton a personal friend.
Republicans were quick to pounce on the link: “It is only appropriate that Ted Strickland would endorse Hillary Clinton considering they both support socialized medicine," said Danny Diaz, a Republican National Committee spokesman.
Last year, Ohio Democrats estimated Clinton raised nearly $500,000 for Strickland and Sherrod Brown, the then-congressman who unseated Sen. Mike DeWine. Bill Clinton raised at least $225,000 more for Strickland.
Strickland endured sharp personal attacks in that campaign - including opponents' claims that he encouraged child predators and knowingly employed a sex offender while in Congress - and he expressed sympathy today for the criticisms Clinton has faced on the presidential trail.
"Sen. Clinton, in the face of attacks, has remained resolute in putting forth a positive message," he said.
The senator and the governor both downplayed talk that the endorsement is a preview of the 2008 Democratic ticket. Asked if she was considering Strickland as a running mate if she wins the nomination, Clinton said she was too focused on the primary campaign to even think about it. Strickland said flatly that "I have no interest at all in the vice presidency."
Still, Clinton will waste no time trumpeting the endorsement. She plans to bring Strickland to the high-profile Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner in Iowa this weekend. Strickland noted that he was last in the state to campaign for Rep. Richard Gephardt -- another Clinton supporter in this race -- in 2004.
"I got so cold in Iowa," he said with a slight laugh, "that I've yet to fully warm up."
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Comments
Pro gun ex methodist minister?
Another case of liberal democrats hiding who they are. I'm sure Ohio thought they were electing a conservative democrat ... HA ... fooled them again. Just like Hillary trying to potray herself as "moderate" ... the only one left of Hillary is Hugo Chavez
Posted by: K W Smith | November 9, 2007 12:01 PM
good the best- go hilary go- good for the country- no more bush messy- a war monger and bad economy/ and everything-
Posted by: laura | November 9, 2007 12:22 PM
"good the best- go hilary go- good for the country- no more bush messy- a war monger and bad economy/ and everything- "
Uh huh ... A typical Hillary supporter. A product of our government school system no doubt ... maybe even a teacher ... LOL Boy ... this country is in trouble!
Posted by: K W Smith | November 9, 2007 12:32 PM
Pro gun ex methodist minister?
Another case of liberal democrats hiding who they are.
Posted by: K W Smith | November 9, 2007 12:01 PM
Typical, ignorant, arrogant republican/conservative comment. As if you have a monoploy on religion and faith.
Posted by: David J | November 9, 2007 12:44 PM
Wonderful news!
Go Hillary!!
Posted by: Wayne Contos | November 9, 2007 12:45 PM
It's sad to see the misguided ultraconservative enemies of Hillary back from the 90s. Hillary was behind the shadow of Bill in the 90s, we only saw a glimpse of her then and that image is a you-like-it-or-you-don't caricature. Hillary has proven herself well as a US Senator from NY. She has conviction, wisdom, and the wisdom of this country's forefathers, that's why my Romney side of family supports her now.
Posted by: Santoro Romney | November 9, 2007 12:54 PM
Pro gun ex methodist minister?
Another case of liberal democrats hiding who they are.
Posted by: K W Smith | November 9, 2007 12:01 PM
Don't worry your little head K W,
The Republic Party still has the David Vitter/Larry Craig/Rev Ted Haggard vote all to themselves.
http://s86.photobucket.com/albums/k88/Duke_S/?action=view¤t=Convention_Logo.jpg
Posted by: John E | November 9, 2007 1:18 PM
Santoro,
Total puff ... What has she done or accomplished? Anyone can stand up and make promises, lie, dodge and do a little dance, so you don't have to take a firm position. She is for illegal immigration ... she can't even say illegal ... no ... it's undocumented workers. But like her other positions based on her socialistic ideals, she dare not state them directly to the american public. She wants to confiscate all the profits from major oil corporations to fund more government directed programs!! Vote for Hillary and say goodbye to our constitution and capitalism in America.... along with our jobs and prosperity.
Posted by: K W Smith | November 9, 2007 1:37 PM
Hillary is a left winger? Are you that stupid? I love her, but she is no left winger. She is a moderate democrat. I am caucusing for her, and I can tell you that she is a moderate, or I would not be voting for her. This is Iowa, a swing state. I can tell you, she is most popular in rural Iowa. Also in urban Iowa. Get ready for Madame President. The others lose us the general.
Posted by: HawkeyeSophomore | November 9, 2007 1:39 PM
Ah yes, I remember when all the big politicians were endorsing me in the primaries...
Posted by: Howard Dean | November 9, 2007 1:42 PM
Strickland would be a good one for Hillary to tap as VP mate--for his halo effect. I'll bet she does. He has no votes nationally to have to defend, and she might want someone that the Bible Right can't denigrate too much. He also has a doctorate in psychology. Strickland beat Ken Blackwell in the gov. race in Ohio, and he quashed bonus gifts that Taft gave to certain state workers as he went out the door. The biggest thing is that no R. has won, or been given, the WH without getting Ohio--for about 50 years or so. The pro gun thing just adds to Hillary's wanting to be all things to all people. And, there may be instances where I would want a gun to defend myself, or my family--so the gun thing is not an issue for me, but may attract a few fence-sitting Rs. I wish Strickland would have gone for Edwards. Thats OK, there are other good people for Edwards to tap as VP mate.
Posted by: Vivian | November 9, 2007 1:43 PM
K.W. Smith, as an Ohioan..yes, we did elect a moderate democrat to Governor; much better than the previous corrupt republican we had in office beforehand; no republican office has been untouched by scandal here.
Strickland..has a high rating even among republicans FOR A REASON, you straw man.
Posted by: josh | November 9, 2007 1:47 PM
K.W.SMITH What is wrong with public education? I do feel you are a depressed and unhappy person as it seems all you can say is negative comments, there is help for people like you. People in your state of mind should seek professional help, possibly praying to your Republican God may also help, Oh wait, you already have, he has taught you right, glad that is not taught in public school.
Posted by: Gary H. | November 9, 2007 1:52 PM
Yeah and Republicans are so upfront with their tax breaks for the rich, oil company pleasing agenda. Distracting from the shambles of economy, the failure to improve public schools and rising AMERICAN death tole in Iraq with name calling and refusal to answer strait forward questions.
Posted by: Megan | November 9, 2007 2:14 PM
I was in my early teens when Hillary was in the White House. She defied tradition by being an active factor in her husband's administration. Well that's because she is smarter than Bill. We know that now. Hillary Clinton will win because she is the best. Obama can go negative all he wants but what is his record on National Health care, what has he done on foreign relations, what has he done about immigration and social security? Not much... no, NONE. He has been in the Senate for 3 years, he made an amasing speech in 2004 DNC, is that enough to run the leader of the free world? He says he is the candidate of hope, but "hope" is the last refuge of inexperienced candidates because they don't have the record of anything much yet. And as 1st woman President, wouldn't Hillary be the personification of hope for 53% of Americans? I say yes, so GO HILLARY! Honourable, Intelligent, Leader, Legendary, Ageless Grace, Reliable, Youth defender.
Posted by: Jerry Chambers | November 9, 2007 2:19 PM
Conservative thought process.
You support so and so..it must be the school or teacher. Our kids our failing reading... don't blame the schools or the teachers, blame the parents.
Posted by: someone | November 9, 2007 2:36 PM
I nominate Santora as being someone who should head west and fill in the void left by striking comedy writers because this is one of the funniest things I have ever read:
It's sad to see the misguided ultraconservative enemies of Hillary back from the 90s. Hillary was behind the shadow of Bill in the 90s, we only saw a glimpse of her then and that image is a you-like-it-or-you-don't caricature. Hillary has proven herself well as a US Senator from NY. She has conviction, wisdom, and the wisdom of this country's forefathers, that's why my Romney side of family supports her now.
Posted by: Santoro Romney | November 9, 2007 12:54 PM
Posted by: John D | November 9, 2007 2:46 PM
Gary,
You see no problem with public education?
As for depression, I will be very depressed if Hillary gets elected, along with a whole lot of people who have jobs and aren't already on welfare. She will be a disaster for America.
Someone here is believing her sham about being moderate. She wants socialized medicine. She wants open borders, to confiscate all oil company profits, she wants to shut down talk radio, and wants to drastically raise the capital gains tax. ... Be prepared for a much closer alliance with Hugo Chavez, her secret hero. For those here not dependent on government entitlements, wake up and smell the coffee, Hillary is a committed socialist.
Posted by: K W Smith | November 9, 2007 2:49 PM
"Vote for Hillary and say goodbye to our constitution", says KW Smith.
Hey KW, turn off Bill O'Riley for 30 seconds and face reality. Why would you fear what Hillary will do to our constitution when your president has already tossed out any values associated with the constitution.
Just like a Republican, you use rhetoric, scare tactics, and frankly, a whole lot of BS to prove your points.
We Dems will stick to the facts and leave the hateful vitriol and lies to you
Posted by: Jason | November 9, 2007 2:51 PM
Be prepared for a much closer alliance with Hugo Chavez, her secret hero. For those here not dependent on government entitlements, wake up and smell the coffee, Hillary is a committed socialist.
Posted by: K W Smith | November 9, 2007 2:49 PM
Nice try K Dub,
America is tired of the fascist wannabe Republican led dictatorship that we have now and we aren't buying your "socialist fear card" anymore.
http://www.bushflash.com/14.html
Posted by: John E | November 9, 2007 2:59 PM
Be prepared for a much closer alliance with Hugo Chavez, her secret hero.
Posted by: K W Smith | November 9, 2007 2:49 PM
Yes we're much better off being allied with General Musharraf as he, in connection with islamic extremists, crushes democracy in his country.
Posted by: AJF | November 9, 2007 3:20 PM
I wonder if she consulted with Monica L. regarding strategies for attracting powerful men. Maybe the Governor smokes cigars!?
Posted by: Rob S | November 9, 2007 4:17 PM
Okay, where is the article about the Hillary campaign planting a question in her town hall meeting? When caught, they just said it would never happen again. So the question, how many times was it done before? Diogenes would have trouble finding an honest woman as well as a man in this campaign season.
Posted by: j. Lewis | November 9, 2007 11:19 PM
I wonder if she consulted with Monica L. regarding strategies for attracting powerful men. Maybe the Governor smokes cigars!?
Posted by: Rob S | November 9, 2007 4:17 PM
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I hope you are proud of yourself Rob S for saying this. Do you have a Mom? A Sister? A wife? What has Hillary got to do with sins of her husband? Is she what you Republicans call "sinned woman set for eternal damnation" just because she chose to follow her marital vows and stay with the man she loves despite his mistakes and shortcomings?
I say you shame every woman with this comment! You shame your Mom! You shame America!
Posted by: Santoro Romney | November 10, 2007 2:59 AM
Sadly, I voted for Strickland. Had I known he is in favor of giving our jobs to illegals and destroying OH I would not have. I will never make the mistake of voting for him again! Perhaps someday he may tell the truth.
Posted by: Heidi Washington | December 27, 2007 12:52 PM