RELEASE
February 21, 2006

Governor Celeste to Democrats:
'Chandra is Our Strongest Choice'

CLEVELAND, OH - Former Ohio Governor Richard Celeste announced his endorsement today of Democratic Attorney General Candidate Subodh Chandra. Celeste, who served two terms as Ohio's 64th governor (1982-1991), believes that Chandra's unparalleled experience and integrity are exactly what the Attorney General's office needs.

In an email sent to Democrats yesterday, Celeste explained why he is supporting Chandra and why all Democrats should do the same: "...we are called upon, especially at this rare moment when we can turn Ohio's government back to the people, to put our very strongest candidates forward. I am convinced that by virtually any measure Subodh Chandra is our strongest choice."

Governor Celeste has also authored a letter that will be sent to Democrats later this month, where he noted that "Subodh's deep convictions, tenacity, and real-world accomplishments make an unbeatable combination. He will not only make an effective candidate, he will make a great Attorney General. He will bring energy to the Democratic ticket and higher ethical standards to the office."

Governor Celeste's son Christopher also endorsed Chandra's candidacy for Attorney General. Christopher Celeste points to Chandra's history of combating fraud in the healthcare industry as a Federal Prosecutor and fighting predatory lenders as Cleveland's Law Director saying that "Subodh's passion for protecting consumers makes him the perfect choice to fight corruption as Ohio's next Attorney General."

The Celeste commendations of Chandra stem from a long-standing relationship. Chandra and Christopher Celeste attended the University of Stanford together and have been friends ever since. In 1990, Chandra moved to Ohio to help launch Governor Celeste's International Participation Project, training young leaders from emerging Central and Eastern European democracies in the basic skills of campaigns and elections. Governor Celeste is the President of Colorado College and Christopher Celeste now heads a California-based technology company called Find Away World. He also serves as Chandra's campaign chairman.

Chandra has also been endorsed by famed attorney David Boies, Vice-President Al Gore's counsel in the 2000 Bush v. Gore case. In January, Boies hosted two fundraisers for Chandra in Cleveland and Columbus. Chandra graciously welcomed these endorsements and added that he will continue to build on the momentum that his campaign as already generated among Democrats.

Click here to read the Celeste for Chandra Letter or the Support for Chandra Email.

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Contact: Keary McCarthy
614-425-9163
keary_m@yahoo.com