Ryan backs Fisher for U.S. senator

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — “He is a man who gets things done,” U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan said of Ohio Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher in endorsing him for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. George Voinovich.

Ryan, of Niles, D-17th, along with Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams and other elected officials and labor leaders, met Monday at the Youngstown Business Incubator to praise Fisher’s qualifications for the Senate job.

Fisher has a track record of accomplishments, including supporting creation of the incubator and, more recently, getting money to start a business incubator in Warren, Ryan said.

“He is loyal to this community, and he hasn’t forgot his promises. He will make a great partner for Sen. Sherrod Brown. I believe Lee Fisher will help create new green jobs in technology in Youngstown and Warren, ” Ryan said.

Brown, a Democrat, is the junior U.S. senator from Ohio.

Williams, in introducing Ryan and Fisher, said they are elected officials who understand what is needed for Youngstown, the region and the state to thrive.

Ryan said he and Fisher have worked together on several projects to improve the lives of northeast Ohioans, including persuading General Motors to build the new Chevrolet Cruze at the Lordstown plant.

“It is no accident that we’re doing this at the Youngstown Business Incubator, one of 13 Edison Technology Incubators in the state. This is a crown jewel,” Fisher said.

Fisher’s opponent for the Senate seat is Republican Robert Portman, who is a former U.S. representative and most recently was director of the Office of Management and Budget under President George W. Bush.