Former President Bill Clinton made his first endorsement of the 2016 cycle Tuesday, backing former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland in his bid for Senate.  

Strickland is the front-runner for the nomination to challenge Republican Sen. Rob Portman. One other Democrat is also running — Cincinnati City Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld.  

“Ted Strickland offers a unique blend of qualities we need more of in Washington today: a proven record of service to hard working Ohioans, energy, determination and idealism,” Clinton said in a statement. “He knows how to reach across the aisle to find common ground and when Ohioans need him to stand his ground. No one will care more, know more, and work harder for better opportunities for every Ohioan than Ted. I’m proud to support him.”  

Strickland has a long relationship with the Clintons, dating back to his time as a member of the House during Clinton’s presidency. In 2008, as governor of the pivotal swing state, he was a major backer of then-Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s presidential bid. In 2010, Bill Clinton backed Strickland’s unsuccessful bid for another term as governor.  

Now, as the former secretary of State prepares to mount another bid for the presidency, that relationship could be valuable again. Last week, Strickland told reporters that a Hillary Clinton confidante had told him she wanted to be on the ballot with him in Ohio.  

The endorsement also could be aimed at convincing Sittenfeld to exit the primary. The city councilman was the first Democrat to jump in against Portman, but most Ohio Democrats expected he would bow out when Strickland announced. He has not, and Strickland allies are increasingly irked by that fact, in spite of Strickland’s front-runner status. Ohio is a crucial swing state, and Strickland’s potential to help the Democratic presidential nominee could be a strong argument for his candidacy.  

The race is rated Leans Republican by the Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report/Roll Call.  

Related:

Democrats Skeptical Ted Strickland Will Face Primary


Democrats Line Up Behind Ted Strickland in Ohio Primary


Ted Strickland Announces Senate Run in Ohio


How Republicans Could Risk a Senate Seat to Win the White House


Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report 2016 Senate Race Ratings


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