More endorsements for Mallory

Richard Finan, left, then president-elect of the Ohio Senate, took over the gavel from retiring Senate President Stanley J. Aronoff in 1996. (Photo by Elizabeth Ellis/The Associated Press)

Stanley J. Aronoff and Richard Finan ran the Ohio Senate during a less partisan time in Columbus, when the Cincinnati delegation had some clout and Republicans worked with Democrats like state Rep. William L. Mallory Sr. to get things done for the region.

Today, the two former Senate presidents endorsed Mallory's son, state Sen. Mark L. Mallory, D-West End, for mayor of Cincinnati.

"At this particular time, I think that we need a healer. I think that Sen. Mallory is the right person at the right time to heal some of the differences in our city," Aronoff said after a Mallory event at Findlay Market this afternoon. "I think he's got a good heart. I have seen how he handles adversity. I think he makes an effort to get things done."

Did we mention that Aronoff and Finan are Republicans?

The endorsements are part of Mallory's strategy to establish his resume as a consensus builder. The campaign said voters should expect to see a number of endorsements over the next few weeks -- from Republicans and Democrats -- in order to back up that claim.

Mallory's opponent, Councilman David Pepper, didn't dispute Aronoff's and Finan's reputations as lawmakers. It's their current jobs that he said were a problem.

"Mark Mallory was today endorsed by two of the most active lobbyists in Columbus," Pepper said. "Last week it was Statehouse politicians. Today it was Statehouse lobbyists."

Finan represents, among others, Queen City Barrel in Lower Price Hill; Aronoff's clients include BP America and the Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association.