Republican former Ohio Governor Bob Taft has announced his support for high-profile Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown (Ohio) for re-election to the U.S. Senate.
in letter to the editor In Sunday's Dayton Daily News, Taft said he is still a Republican but plans to put partisanship aside and vote for Brown, saying he believes Ohioans need “the type of leader.” He is the kind of person he is.''
Taft, who served as governor from 1999 to 2007, did not mention Brown's opponent, Republican Bernie Moreno, in his letter.
“I've always run under the Republican banner, I'm a conservative, and I usually vote straight Republican. Although I'm still a Republican, I made an exception in this year's Ohio Senate race. I stand by Sherrod Brown,” Taft said in a letter released Sunday.
“In doing so, I would be joining most voters in making judgments about candidates based not only on their party affiliation, but often more importantly on their character, experience and expertise. ' he continued.
Taft called Brown a “very capable” and “experienced advocate” for Ohioans in the Senate, and said he would join Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) in defending the interests of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. ) and that they are cooperating across party lines.
Taft also said Brown “knows all of Ohio well and understands the concerns and challenges of people across the state,” adding that Brown has always made time for his constituents. Ta. Taft added that Brown's staff also pays close attention to every voter who contacts the office.
Mr. Taft praised Mr. Brown's 25 years of experience representing Ohio in public office, noting that Mr. Brown's seniority in the Senate has secured him several high-ranking positions, Mr. Taft said. said this is important to Ohioans.
This letter is notable because of Taft's hometown. Famous Republican Families. His grandfather, the late Sen. Robert A. Taft, became known as “Mr. Taft.” It's the Republican Party. ” The former governor's great-grandfather was President William Howard Taft.
Associated Press noticed The former Republican governor is the only politician to defeat Brown in an election — in 1990, when Taft defeated Brown for re-election as Secretary of State.
The Hill has reached out to Moreno and Brown for comment.
