The following Ohio Democratic leaders endorsed Barack Obama today:

Govenor Ted Strickland

Governor Ted Strickland issued the following statement this afternoon:

"Today, I announce my wholehearted and enthusiastic support for Barack Obama for President of the United States.

Earlier today I talked with Sen. Hillary Clinton. I thanked her for her friendship and the strong effort she put forth in this historic campaign. I pledged to work with her to unify the party and to make sure that Barack Obama wins the presidency.

Ohioans have suffered as a result of the failed policies of the Bush Administration, including job loss as a result of rising fuel prices. Ohioans desperately want real, meaningful change. And I believe Barack Obama will bring that change."

Senator Sherrod Brown

Ohio Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown today endorsed Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) for president.

Brown, who successfully ran for U.S. Senate in 2006 on a progressive populist message, called Obama the leader to help rebuild the middle class.

“It has been my great pleasure to know and work with Senator Obama. It is my distinct honor to endorse him for president. I have long been impressed by his commitment to working families and our nation’s underserved communities. He is a visionary leader and fierce advocate for change. Senator Obama knows, like so many Ohio families, that Washington has for too long been held in a death-grip of greed by powerful lobbyists. He knows that the failed policies of the Bush administration betrayed our middle class and devastated communities large and small. And he knows that we must rebuild our middle class if we are to thrive as a nation.”

In Congress, Brown and Obama have worked together on legislation that would establish a Patriot Corporations Act, which would reward companies that create jobs in the U.S.; the FOREWARN Act, which would strengthen worker protections during layoffs; and have worked together on the Senate Veterans Committee as well as the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.

“I know what it takes to win Ohio – a commitment to creating new jobs, promoting new industry, and a dedication to helping grow Ohio’s middle class. Barack Obama has what it takes to win in my state and the nation. This is a pivotal election in our nation’s history; a choice between a third Bush term and a new direction for our country. I look forward to helping Senator Obama win in November and I look forward to helping him lead our nation in a new direction.”

Chairman Chris Redfern

Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern issued the following statement this afternoon:

"I am honored and proud to endorse Barack Obama for President of the United States.

Barack Obama has the courage, the passion and the ideas to unite this country and bring about real change in Washington.

For seven and a half long years, Ohioans have felt the sting of Washington's failures under George Bush and we will not stomach another four under John McCain.

Thanks to the steady leadership of Governor Strickland, the Ohio Democratic Party is organized, energized and strong. As we unify behind Barack Obama, there is no doubt in my mind that his message of change will carry the Buckeye State in November."

Congresswoman Betty Sutton

"I am very proud of the historic races that have been run by both Senator Obama and Senator Clinton. The excitement and enthusiasm that has been generated by their campaigns make me extremely proud to be a Democrat.

Now that the primary process has run its course, I am very excited to support and endorse Senator Obama for President and I am looking forward to working as hard as I can to secure his election this fall. The people of the 13th District deserve a President who understands the challenges they are facing and who has the vision and ability to deliver the change that they and our great nation need. I am extremely confident that he has the courage and the capacity to implement the changes that working families throughout Ohio and our country need. I look forward to helping deliver Ohio for Senator Obama this November and working closely with President Obama to deliver economic and educational opportunities, access to health care, and an effective energy policy for the people that I am so honored to represent in Ohio's 13th Congressional District.

I also look forward to working with Senator Clinton as she continues to fight for American families and helps to the Democratic Party win a historic victory this fall. Senator Clinton's energetic campaign has helped to invigorate the Democratic Party and the enthusiasm she has generated and will continue to generate will greatly ease our path to victory in November."

Congressmen Tim Ryan

Washington, D.C. –Today, Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-17) released this statement of support for Senator Barack Obama.

“Barack Obama is a transformational leader, a man of conviction who speaks to power in a way that we rarely see in American politics.” said Congressman Ryan. “Throughout this long primary season, Senator Obama has continued to inspire me with his message of hope, but much more importantly with the actions to back up his words. Today, I am proud to endorse Senator Obama for President, and prouder than ever to work for a candidate who could potentially change everything we know about American politics.

“Senator Obama’s new ideas, vision and strong leadership will help us create jobs here in Ohio, provide healthcare for the uninsured and solve the energy crisis which threatens global stability and our way of life. He has proven in the Senate that he can work with both sides of the aisle to get things done, which after 7 years of the Bush administration and the threat of the continuation of George Bush’s policies under John McCain, we desperately need.”

This page will be updated with statements as they come in.