Plain Dealer - Ted Strickland taps Lee Fisher as running mate

(Cleveland Plain Dealer)4:03 p.m.

By Sandy Theis
Plain Dealer Bureau Chief

Columbus - Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Ted Strickland reached into Greater Cleveland and tapped former Ohio Attorney General Lee Fisher for his running mate, according to three top-ranking Democrats.

An official announcement is expected Thursday.

Fisher brings to the ticket geographic balance, a sophisticated understanding of state government and a proven ability to raise money.

Strickland is a congressman from Lisbon, and his district includes a string of mostly rural counties. He has never held statewide office.

Last year, Fisher toyed with running for governor himself but announced that he'd remain in Cleveland as CEO of the Center for Families and Children. Sources working with the Strickland campaign said Fisher's decision to join the ticket resulted from a long friendship between the two and meetings that began months ago.