ProgressOhio

Christopher Celeste, who had previously explored a possible U.S. Senate run for 2010, has endorsed Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner for the seat over her primary opponent, Lee Fisher.

In his May announcement that he would not seek the seat, Celeste had hinted at his support for Brunner.

Celeste's full endorsement:

To My Friends & Other Ohioans Interested in Ohio's Future:

As some of you know, for the past six months I actively explored entering the Democratic primary for the United States Senate seat being vacated by Senator George Voinovich. As part of that process I spoke at length with personal friends and advisers in Ohio and nationally; as well as with both of the already announced Democratic candidates, Lt. Governor Lee Fisher and Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner. For a variety of personal and political reasons--and despite my strong desire to be an agent of change in the public realm--I ultimately decided entering this particular race, at this particular time, would not be in my party's, or my, best interest.

That said, my belief that this election is crucial to Ohio's future remains unchanged.

The problems (and opportunities) we face in this state are too large to be tackled by local or state officials alone. Long overdue urban revitalization. Reinvention of our historic manufacturing base. Exploding health-care costs that choke families and business alike. Outdated education systems that fail our children. Again and again, we face changing realities in our communities whose scale and complexity require political leadership at the federal level capable of sustained, creative--at times even courageous--reinvention. In my opinion, this isn't just about electing one party versus the other. It's about electing one type of leader versus another. Like our recently elected president, what we need is a leader with the courage to lead, especially when the path ahead may be challenging or unpopular. Not just another politician (Democrat or Republican) with a "wait-and-see" attitude.

As it turns out, much like in the last Presidential primary, two well-regarded and experienced officeholders are now making their case to Democratic primary voters about why they should be the party's nominee in the Fall. They are both formidable politicians who have won statewide, and worked long and hard on behalf of Ohioans. And while I respect both Lee and Jennifer for their commitment to public service, after much thought, I have decided to support, invest in and personally work on behalf of Jennifer Brunner in the Democratic Primary for the United States Senate.

Jennifer's public leadership demonstrates an impressive mix of creativity, collaboration, and courage. Whether spearheading innovative drug-intervention methods from the bench, or being an early and consistent advocate of equality for all Ohioans, or protecting the basic integrity of our election process itself, Jennifer Brunner is a not a wait-and-see politician. Equally important, as a woman who started her own law practice in the corner of her home while raising a family, Jennifer has an intimate appreciation for what everyday Ohioans encounter when they face off against their own daily struggles. This combination of political and personal tenacity make Jennifer a woman unafraid to lead. Already her efforts have garnered positive national recognition, including being awarded the 2008 John F. Kennedy "Profile in Courage" Award for her stewardship of Ohio's election reforms.

It's for these reasons and many others I am speaking out on behalf of Jennifer now, in her primary race. And why I believe she will also be the Democratic Party's strongest candidate on the ballot in November. Please join me in being an early, vocal, and unapologetic supporter of Jennifer Brunner in the Democratic Primary for the United States Senate.

It is time for Ohio to recapture its historic spirit of pioneering leadership -- and I believe Jennifer's election as an unrelenting agent of positive change, as well as our state's first female United States Senator will do just that.

With respect & enthusiasm,

Christopher


Christopher A. Celeste