2008 Woodie Awards
Strickland endorses Hillary Clinton
Governor campaigns with senator, denies running mate speculation
Erin Bowen
Issue date: 11/16/07 Section: Community
Ohio Governor Ted Strickland's endorsement of presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) Friday afternoon was just in time for him to accompany Clinton on her two-day campaign to Iowa.
While in Des Moines, Strickland and Clinton, along with other presidential hopefuls, attended the Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner, an annual fund-raising event held by local Democratic chapters. Clinton's stint in Iowa precedes the state's leadoff
caucus Jan. 3.
The endorsement was announced to the media through a conference call involving both Clinton and Strickland Nov. 9.
"The road to the White House goes through Ohio," Clinton said during the conference.
Also during the conference, Strickland explained his endorsement and Ohio's role in the election process.
"I understand the importance of Ohio in the equation," Strickland said. "I'm doing this out of a deeply felt conviction for her skill, experience, courage and strength. I would not make this endorsement if I didn't feel she was the strongest and best candidate."
According to Clyde Brown, political science professor of Miami University, endorsements by elected or prominent politicians such as Strickland are not unusual. Brown gave the examples of Sen. Evan Byah (D-Ind.) and former vice president Walter Mondale who have also endorsed Clinton.
"Political interest groups and labor unions endorse presidential candidates in advance of the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary," Brown said. "John Edwards has picked up important endorsements from labor groups. Even a celebrity like Oprah Winfrey has endorsed a candidate, Barack Obama."
The effects of Strickland's endorsement, however, are limited, said Ryan Barilleaux, professor and chair of the department of political science.
"I don't think that Gov. Strickland's endorsement makes much of a difference and it is getting more attention than it deserves," Barilleaux said. "Sen. Clinton is ahead of her nearest challenger (Obama) by 23 points in national polls, so she neither needs Gov. Strickland's endorsement nor will it make much difference to the outcome of the nomination race."
While in Des Moines, Strickland and Clinton, along with other presidential hopefuls, attended the Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner, an annual fund-raising event held by local Democratic chapters. Clinton's stint in Iowa precedes the state's leadoff
caucus Jan. 3.
The endorsement was announced to the media through a conference call involving both Clinton and Strickland Nov. 9.
"The road to the White House goes through Ohio," Clinton said during the conference.
Also during the conference, Strickland explained his endorsement and Ohio's role in the election process.
"I understand the importance of Ohio in the equation," Strickland said. "I'm doing this out of a deeply felt conviction for her skill, experience, courage and strength. I would not make this endorsement if I didn't feel she was the strongest and best candidate."
According to Clyde Brown, political science professor of Miami University, endorsements by elected or prominent politicians such as Strickland are not unusual. Brown gave the examples of Sen. Evan Byah (D-Ind.) and former vice president Walter Mondale who have also endorsed Clinton.
"Political interest groups and labor unions endorse presidential candidates in advance of the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary," Brown said. "John Edwards has picked up important endorsements from labor groups. Even a celebrity like Oprah Winfrey has endorsed a candidate, Barack Obama."
The effects of Strickland's endorsement, however, are limited, said Ryan Barilleaux, professor and chair of the department of political science.
"I don't think that Gov. Strickland's endorsement makes much of a difference and it is getting more attention than it deserves," Barilleaux said. "Sen. Clinton is ahead of her nearest challenger (Obama) by 23 points in national polls, so she neither needs Gov. Strickland's endorsement nor will it make much difference to the outcome of the nomination race."
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JoeS
posted 11/27/07 @ 11:55 AM EST
Way to go Ohio...thank you for electing such a fine leader.
Thank god the woman is unelectable.
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