Release: Governor Ted Strickland Endorses Treasurer Richard Cordray to be Ohio's Next Attorney General

Announcement by Governor Ted Strickland

This is a pretty day in the great State of Ohio, and what a nice occasion. I'm happy to stand here with Richard and his wonderful wife, Peggy, and his two, just delightful, children, Danny and Holly. Many of you are familiar with Rich Cordray and his incredible talents. I want to tell you a little about how Rich got his beginnings in life.

He is the son of social workers. Rich's parents always put themselves in the service of the most vulnerable of society: young people, the elderly, the mentally retarded and developmentally disabled. This spirit of service and determination to do whatever he can do for the public good is a strong trait of Richard Cordray's, and I believe that's because it's in his DNA. It came from his wonderful parents.

As Franklin County Treasurer, Richard created the first Save Our Homes taskforce to address the problems of mortgage foreclosure. He carried that work into his efforts as State Treasurer, where nearly fifty additional counties have followed his example. Rich has worked tirelessly for years on ways to curtail this devastating problem of home foreclosure. At the same time that Rich was helping the state conduct the largest tobacco securitization issuance in our nation's history, he was also working quietly behind the scenes to bring financial literacy programs into Ohio's domestic violence shelters because the victims of domestic violence so often literally must run for their lives and start again with little or nothing.

Rich Cordray knows the frustrations and the anxieties of ordinary families who are worried about money, about their homes, about their safety, and about the future of their children. He's a remarkable young person. He is fair, he is kind, and he is a tenacious problem solver. Rich Cordray is a public servant in the best sense of the word. He will be the kind of attorney general that Ohioans can be proud of. And I am proud to present to you, my choice to be Ohio's next Attorney General, Rich Cordray.

Remarks by Treasurer Richard Cordray

It is an honor to be asked to take on the race for this important office. The Attorney General can play a vital role in moving the state forward and fighting for fair and equal treatment of every citizen.

For more than twenty years, ever since graduating from law school, I have been moved by the challenges of public service. Through the many ups and downs, I have always been inspired by the exercise of leadership and the difference it can make for people who just need to have someone on their side. My parents never dreamed of running for office, but they both were public servants in the truest sense, working their entire careers to make life better for the mentally retarded. Theirs is the example I keep in mind every day.

As the next Attorney General, I expect to focus on rebuilding the public trust, fighting crime, and protecting the financial security of Ohio families. Much of this agenda builds on the work we have been doing in the Treasurer's office - to keep people in their homes, to protect them against fraud, and to fight for a level playing field for consumers. And much of it will continue to be done in partnership with local officials and community groups, which enables us to do our best work, together. My pledge to Ohioans is that I will stand up for them with determination, with respect, and with professionalism.
Finally, I look forward to campaigning across Ohio in this historic year. I do not expect to do that alone - fortunately I have good friends here to accompany me and I will be grateful for their help. When you run for public office, you learn much more about those you hope to serve and that makes you a better official. And I am enthusiastic to have the opportunity to do that in 2008.