Top Ohio Dem backs Strickland for Senate

Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) is endorsing former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland’s (D) bid to unseat Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio).

{mosads}“Ted Strickland is a champion for middle class Ohioans and has spent his life working to create opportunity for working families in every corner of our state,” Brown told USA Today in a statement.

Strickland’s primary opponent, Cincinnati Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld, said last week that he was “all in” for the race. But Strickland has been rolling out a number of lawmaker endorsements as he looks to beat Sittenfeld and challenge Portman.

Strickland, who announced his run for Senate last month, lost his bid for reelection as governor in 2010 to now-Gov. John Kasich (R). He has since stayed involved in politics, including serving as president of the liberal Center for American Progress.

“We are pleased and grateful to receive an endorsement from the esteemed U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown,” Strickland said in a statement later Monday. “Senator Brown has been a strong voice for working and middle-class families in Ohio throughout his distinguished career. I’m running to help working people in Ohio realize their American Dream.”

Portman has said he is looking forward “to a candid exchange of ideas during this critical time for so many in our state.”

Updated at 1:27 p.m.