Ohio Gov. Backs Clinton
More importantly for Clinton's campaign, Strickland characterized her as the best candidate to win the state in the 2008 general election. Ohio was the pivotal race in 2004 and a state narrowly won by President Bush. "I believe that she's the strongest candidate that our party could put forth" in Ohio Strickland said, adding, "I believe she is the person who can win the presidency."
Although Strickland said his endorsement is not meant to be a negative statement on the rest of the field, he seemed to take a backhanded jab at them for their recent attacks on the front-runner. Clinton, "in the face of attacks has remained resolute in putting forth a positive message," Strickland said, "and I believe that is the kind of campaign that will have greatest appeal to Ohioans."
"I am very honored to have Governor Strickland's endorsement," Clinton said, lauding his record as Governor and earlier as a congressman. Strickland is "a man of incredible integrity and commitment in serving others, something he's done long before he ever got into elective office." Clinton also said Strickland will attend the Iowa Democratic Party's Jefferson-Jackson dinner with her tomorrow night, a major event in the crucial first-in-the-nation caucus state.
Asked whether he would accept an invitation to join the Democratic ticket, Strickland said he is not "presumptuous enough" to think he would be considered and maintained, "I have no interest at all in the vice presidency." Asked if she would consider Strickland as a running mate, Clinton said "it's way premature to be talking about running mates. I'm not taking anything for granted, I'm working as hard as I can every day to win my party's nomination."