COLUMBUS – Today, joined by family and supporters at a press conference at Ohio Democratic Party headquarters, Clerk of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Maryellen O'Shaughnessy announced her candidacy for Secretary of State. O'Shaughnessy was introduced by Governor Ted Strickland.
"We need a Secretary of State who is strong, dedicated, experienced, compassionate, hard-working, courageous, and innovative," said Governor Strickland. "Maryellen O'Shaughnessy will be that Secretary of State. Maryellen shares my philosophy that nothing is more sacred in our democracy than each individual's right to vote. She will be a guardian of the integrity of our elections system and implement new ideas to increase voter participation and enhance voter protection."
O'Shaughnessy said, "I am running for Secretary of State because I am passionate about our state and our democracy. I bring to this race my experience as a small business owner, a Council Member for the nation's 15th largest city, and a County Clerk with a staff of 231 and budget of $12.5 million. As Ohio's next Secretary of State, I will advocate for greater participation in our elections process by making it easier for Ohioans to register and to vote. And I will work every day to administer elections in a free, open and fair way."
O'Shaughnessy outlined several programs and initiatives that she will advocate, including: