October 14, 2009
Contact: Tim Burga
614.224.8271 | tburga@ohaflcio.com
OHIO AFL-CIO ENDORSES GOVERNOR STRICKLAND FOR RE-ELECTION; STATE’S TOP LABOR ORGANIZATION ALSO BACKS CORDRAY, PEPPER, GARRISON AND BOYCE IN 2010
In addition to backing Issue 3 for this year’s general election, the Ohio AFL-CIO has taken action to officially support friends of working families who will run for statewide office next fall.
The state’s most powerful labor organization has endorsed Governor Ted Strickland for re-election; Richard Cordray for his first full term as Ohio Attorney General; Kevin Boyce for his first full term as Ohio Treasurer; David Pepper for Ohio Auditor; and Jennifer Garrison for Ohio Secretary of State.
“There is no question that Governor Strickland has faced the toughest economic conditions our state has seen in decades. He has been forced to make very difficult choices. Yet he has never wavered from his commitment to improve the lives of Ohioans. We are committed to Ted, his values and his vision for our state, and we want to see him back in the governor’s office for another term so he can complete his mission,” said Ohio AFL-CIO President Joseph P. Rugola.
The labor federation’s executive board also endorsed long-time friend Richard Cordray for Ohio Attorney General. Rugola said union members know Cordray as a “person of great integrity and energy. He is a good man who is doing a great job as our state’s top law enforcement officer. We are very proud to support Rich in 2010.”
In noting the Ohio AFL-CIO’s backing of Kevin Boyce, Rugola cited his proven record in state and local government and his innovative approach to programs in the Ohio Treasurer’s office, which are already making a difference for Ohio taxpayers.
“Kevin has only been Ohio Treasurer since January, but he has brought his commitment to working families with him to the office and is focusing on protecting our hard-earned tax dollars. We also applaud his efforts to help educate Ohioans about smart money choices and are pleased to back Kevin as part of a strong Democratic ticket,” Rugola said.
Pepper and Garrison, he noted, are important picks for working families because of the importance of Ohio’s Apportionment Board. The board, which includes the Ohio Auditor and the Ohio Secretary of State, will re-draw legislative lines in 2011.
“Ohio’s labor community is very pleased to have such high-caliber candidates as David Pepper for Ohio Auditor and Jennifer Garrison for Ohio Secretary of State. They are a great addition to the statewide ticket because they share our concerns and support our agenda of economic development and fairness for working families. Their leadership on the Apportionment Board will make a big difference for the members we represent.”
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