Cordray announces strong Republican support

Friday, September 15, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SEPTEMBER 14, 2006

(Columbus)—A trio of former elected Republican officials, including a Supreme Court Justice, a mayor of Columbus, and a cabinet official who was also a state legislator from central Ohio will lead voters from their party who are publicly supporting Franklin County Treasurer Richard Cordray, the endorsed Democrat, in his bid to become State Treasurer.

A steering committee of Andy Douglas, Dana “Buck” Rinehart, and Joan W. Lawrence have agreed to lend their backing to Cordray as he works to add to a growing list of Republican supporters from throughout the state.

Douglas’ political and judicial career spanned four decades, beginning with his election to Toledo City Council from 1961-1980. He was elected to three terms on the Ohio Supreme Court from 1984 to 2002, including service as Senior Associate Justice.

Rinehart served as Franklin County Treasurer from 1976-1983, when he was elected to the first of two terms as Mayor of Columbus.

Lawrence served eight full terms as a state representative, then was appointed to direct the Ohio Department of Aging from 1999-2005.

Collectively, the three former officeholders represent almost eighty years of distinguished public service to the State of Ohio.

“During my long years of public service, I have seen that the holding in trust and proper dispensation of public funds is sacrosanct,” said Douglas. “There is nobody, in my mind, who is better qualified and has more ability and stature to do that than Richard Cordray. I urge people of like mind to join me in his crusade.”

Rinehart commented, “In my judgment, Rich Cordray has been incredibly effective as a county treasurer in getting things done that are useful to the public. I look forward to seeing the kinds of positive results he would achieve for the people of Ohio as State Treasurer.”

“I am deeply appreciative of the public support of so many community leaders,” Cordray said. “It is especially meaningful to have the endorsement of such respected individuals who understand what it takes both to run for public office and to govern.”

Cordray added: “Practicality has no party. A treasurer must first and foremost be a conscientious and careful steward of the state’s resources. As the treasurer of Franklin County for the past four years, I have demonstrated that I can do the job well and am deeply committed to serving the best interests of our taxpayers and citizens.

“Ohio is not in good shape economically right now,” Cordray said. “If elected, my goal is to work effectively with my fellow officials on a bipartisan basis, just as I have done in Franklin County, with the goal being to make Ohio better in every way.”