This week, the Senate is scheduled to vote on the re-appointment of Richard Cordray to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Republican Senators, presumably because they believe that consumers don’t need financial protection, have indicated that they are going to block that nomination. Giddy at the prospect of obstructing President Obama and unleashing a new era of Big Bank greed upon Americans, Senate Republicans plan to send Cordray back to Ohio.
The nation’s loss is Ohio’s gain. We Ohioans have plans for Mr. Cordray, and they don’t involve sulking and mourning his return from Washington. It just so happens, Ohio has a gubernatorial race coming up. We think he is just the man for the job. And here’s why:
He’s On Our Side
Richard Cordray is a true progressive and shares our values. He is a supporter of marriage equality, believing that letting gays and lesbians marry the person they love is a matter of basic fairness. In 1993, Cordray advocated for the reinstatement of Ohio’s hate crime laws. Richard is also a steadfast supporter of women’s rights, including their right to make their own medical decisions.
As Ohio’s Attorney General, Cordray brought suit against Bank of America on behalf of, amongst others, the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio. In 2010, he reached an antitrust settlement with American International Group that netted $1 billion for 26 of Ohio’s universities and communities. In total, his work against big banks resulted in billions of dollars in settlements that benefitted Ohio.
It’s for that reason that Cordray was nominated in January of 2012 to lead the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, where he has continued his work on behalf of the middle class and the American consumer. He’s specifically targeted the high costs of student loans, advocated on behalf of the victims of unfair mortgage practices, and fought against unfair credit discrimination.
He Can Win
Rich Cordray has the experience needed to win in Ohio. He’s won statewide elected office twice, both in landslide margins exceeding 15%. Of all of the Democrats running for statewide office in 2010, Cordray performed the best. Clearly, there is something about Cordray that Ohioans like. This name recognition can only help him as he takes on a sitting Governor.
His elevated national profile means that he’d be able to raise the money necessary to compete in the era of Citizens United. His time in Washington, D.C. means that he’ll have some pretty hefty allies on his side, as well. Everyone from President Obama to Elizabeth Warren have been singing his praises.
Quinnipiac polls from April and February seem to confirm the idea that Cordray would be the strongest Democratic challenger to Kasich. Of all Democrats polled, Cordray performed the best in each of the polls. His name recognition is significantly higher than other Democrats who are considering running. It’s clear that if Democrats want to beat John Kasich, Cordray is the man for the job.
He’d Be A Great Governor
Richard Cordray has a variety of assets that will help him to be an outstanding Governor. To start, he is incredibly smart. How many potential gubernatorial candidates also happen to be five time undefeated Jeopardy candidates? Only Cordray. He studied at Oxford University on scholarship, he’s argued in front of the Supreme Court – the man is pretty brainy.
Cordray is a consensus builder who can get things done in a purple state. Senate Republicans make it very clear that they don’t oppose Cordray because of his merits. Their opposition to him is based purely on political calculation. In fact, Senate Republicans share the feelings of a large share of the Republican electorate – Rich is a hard worker who fights hard for the state of Ohio.
Lastly, Cordray has executive experience, whether it’s overseeing the Attorney General’s office and the multiple lawsuits brought against those defrauding Ohioans or acting as the first director of a federal program, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Rich Cordray brings the experience needed not only to win the Governor’s seat, but to get things done on behalf of Ohio’s working middle class.
If you agree, join our efforts to draft Richard Cordray into the Governor’s race:
www.facebook.com/DraftRichCordray
