Ohio Treasurer Richard Cordray, the Democratic candidate for attorney general, campaigned Sunday in Marietta, calling for a return to ethics in office.
Cordray is vying to complete the remaining two years of former Attorney General Marc Dann, the Democrat who resigned in May amid sexual harassment accusations and after he admitted to an affair with a staff member.
"We have to restore trust in that office," Cordray told a group of about 50 supporters at the Plumbers and Pipefitters building on Front Street. "We can and will do that."
Cordray is challenged for the position by Republican candidate Mike Crites, a Columbus attorney and Independent candidate Robert Owens, an attorney from suburban Columbus.
Cordray said restoring an office to order after scandal is nothing new to him. He said he was elected as state treasurer in 2006 to help clean up financial scandals in state government, finding more than $1.3 million owed to taxpayers, including $1,400 spent by the previous treasurer to prepare her own resume.
The attorney general is considered the state's top lawyer and prosecutor.
On Friday, the Fraternal Order of Police, the state's largest law enforcement group, endorsed Cordray.
Marietta resident Dale Hendershot, 78, said he attended the event because he was curious to learn more about Cordray.
"I don't know that much about him, but from what I hear he would probably do a good job for us," Hendershot said.
Cordray was introduced by Ohio Rep. Jennifer Garrison, D-Marietta, and Ohio First Lady Frances Strickland.
Strickland said Cordray is an accomplished attorney and pointed out he is the only candidate who has worked in the Attorney General's Office. Cordray previously worked as a solicitor general and senior advisor to the attorney general.
"We'll be sending him back home to a job where he cut his teeth as a professional," Strickland said.
A graduate of the University of Chicago Law School, Cordray clerked for two U.S. Supreme Court justices. Other accolades include being a five-time undefeated "Jeopardy!" champion.
After hearing Cordray speak, Hendershot said he was confident in Cordray's abilities.
"That's all I needed to hear," Hendershot said. "He's got my vote."
