In a press conference at the Ohio Statehouse, Democratic legislators united behind Fingerhut’s candidacy, citing his clear and positive vision for getting Ohio moving again.

Both Ohio Senate Minority Leader Greg DiDonato and Ohio House Minority Leader Chris Redfern put their support behind Fingerhut.

“It is time for a change in Ohio. You can see it everywhere you go across this state. Eric offers the real, credible alternative to the policies of the past that have dragged Ohio behind. I believe that every Democrat in this state can unite behind his positive vision for getting Ohio moving again,” said DiDonato.

“We need a fundamental shift in the direction of this state. George Voinovich has been the leading politician in Ohio for 13 years. He has been advocating the same policies for 13 years. They don’t work and they haven’t worked. He’s a nice man, but he doesn’t have the solutions we need to move forward,” said Redfern.

Fingerhut thanked his colleagues for their strong showing of support and stressed the huge importance of this race in shaping Ohio’s future. “This race is about the past versus future. I have great respect for Senator Voinovich but he does not have the solutions to the problems facing Ohioans today. I believe that the same energy and talent that built this great state can help get us moving again. But to accomplish this, Ohio must have a leader who believes that ‘good enough’ isn’t good enough for Ohio anymore,” said Fingerhut.

The endorsement is a reflection of the respect that Fingerhut has earned from colleagues during his years of public service. In the recent “Rating the Legislators” issue of Columbus Monthly, Fingerhut was voted the “most knowledgeable” by a strong margin. He was also voted amongst the top 5 “most effective” and “hardworking” legislators.

The endorsement comes on the heels of former Governor Gilligan’s endorsement of Fingerhut in Cincinnati last week. These endorsements have an increased importance for Fingerhut in this election, as he faces an opponent in the primary.