In May, Congressman Ted Strickland announced his candidacy for Governor. Strickland has represented Southern Ohio for 11 years in Congress. During his tenure, he has been a strong advocate for what he calls "kitchen table issues", issues such as health care, education, worker's rights, and economic development. Through his work on these issues, he has developed a strong reputation as a moderate.
As a highly-popular Congressman, Strickland has one of safest Congressional seats in Ohio. Strickland could likely continue to serve in Congress as long as he so desired. Congressman Strickland loves fighting for his constituents in Congress and once thought he'd serve in Congress for the rest of his career, but something happened along the way.
While Strickland was busy serving in Congress, corruption and mismanagement infiltrated Ohio's state government. The current Republican leadership became so corrupt that they instituted a pay-to-play system for campaign donors. While the Republicans were hustling state contracts for campaign money, Ohio was falling apart. Ohio has suffered from massive job losses, a crumbling school system, unaffordable higher education, and a lack of healthcare. Things have just continued to get worse under the leadership of Republican Governor Bob Taft.
Congressman Strickland, quoting Dante, explained that "the hottest places in Hell are reserved for those who - in times of great moral crisis - maintain their neutrality.' I believe that Ohio is facing a crisis. And, for me, neutrality is not an option." And with this attitude, Strickland decided to give up his safe seat in Congress and run for governor to confront Ohio's woes.
Strickland brings with him a unique background. The son of a steelworker, he is a Methodist minister, a prison psychologist, and an advocate of gun rights. These qualities will certainly help him reach out to rural Ohioans.
Strickland comes off as a very sincere guy who is passionate about his beliefs. He sees politics as an avenue to create a more just society. His focus on kitchen table issues is propelled by his strong sense of justice and his religious faith. Strickland has a plaque in his Congressional office that reads:
"And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" - Micah 6:8
Strickland explains, "I hung that plaque to constantly remind myself that my duty in this life is to others. That there are no part-time values. And that we all need to act everyday with integrity, with kindness, and with humility.
Those are the values that I will bring to the governor' office."
To learn more about Ted Strickland or to get involved with his campaign, visit his website at www.TedStrickland.com.
A profile of Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman, the other Democratic candidate for governor, will be coming shortly.
