As one would expect, the Democratic Party is standing solidly behind Scioto County native Ted Strickland in his bid for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Rob Portman. In fact, on Tuesday, the Strickland campaign released the names of 122 southeast Ohio Democratic leaders who have endorsed Strickland.

On that list are six Scioto County political leaders, including Scioto County Auditor David L. Green, Scioto County Engineer, Craig J. Opperman, Scioto County Recorder Gail Alley, Scioto County Treasurer William Ogg, New Boston Mayor Junior Williams and Scioto County Democratic Party chairman Randy Basham.

“I am honored to have earned the support of these leaders who share my commitment to fighting for Ohio’s working people,” Strickland said. “Southeast Ohio is where I’m from, I care deeply about this region, and I’m grateful for this outpouring of support. I’m running to fight for Ohio’s working people like the ones I grew up with because that’s who I care about — and that’s who I’ll always stand up for in the U.S. Senate.”

Strickland was born in McDermott. He was a member of the first graduation class at Northwest High School. Early last year Strickland announced his intention to challenge Portman in the upcoming election campaign.

Strickland served six terms in Congress and became Ohio’s 68th governor in 2006, losing his bid for reelection to current governor John Kasich.

In 2013, President Obama nominated Strickland to be a public delegate to the 68th U.N. General Assembly. He also served as a senior advisor to the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in New York.

“Ted Strickland is one of us,” State Senator Lou Gentile said. “Ted knows the people of Eastern and Southeastern Ohio, and they know and trust him. As our U.S. Senator, we know that we can count on Ted to fight for good paying jobs, to make college more affordable and to protect the retirement security of our seniors. Ted understands our values and will be committed to serving the interests of hardworking Ohioans, unlike Rob Portman who only serves the special interests and Washington power brokers.”