Hackett adds Butland to campaign

Paul Hackett, the Iraq war veteran and Indian Hill lawyer who is running as a Democrat for the U.S. Senate, announced today that he's hired longtime Ohio Democratic operative Dale Butland to his campaign.

*UPDATE: Butland also is a spokesman and political advisor to Jerry Springer, a former Cincinnati mayor and host of a TV show. Springer had breifly considered a run against Sen. George Voinovich, R-Cleveland, before deciding against it in 2003. Also note correction Hackett's campaign just made to the below release.

Hackett faces Rep. Sherrod Brown of Lorain in northern Ohio in the Democratic primary March 2. The winner would challenge two-term Sen. Mike DeWine, R-Cedarville.

Hackett's campaign sent out this news release today:

TOLEDO, OH - Paul Hackett, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate and Iraq War veteran, announced today the addition of Dale Butland to his campaign team as a general consultant and senior advisor. Butland brings 25 years of experience working in the trenches of Ohio politics to the campaign.

"It's fantastic to have Dale fighting with us in our campaign for real change," Paul Hackett said. "He is committed to this campaign for all the right reasons; fixing the mess in Iraq, cleaning up Washington through real reform and making sure that all Ohioans can take care of their families."

Butland served as Senator John Glenn's Ohio chief of staff and has experience at all levels of government. He has been at the helm of various Ohio campaigns in multiple capacities - from consultant to communications director to campaign manager. He also enjoys the distinction of being the last campaign manager to win a statewide election in Ohio for U.S. Senate or Governor.

"Every once in a while, someone like Paul Hackett comes along," Butland said. "In a year when voters are fed up with scandal, career politicians and business-as-usual politics, Paul is a breath of fresh air. I've worked in Ohio politics for over 25 years, and I've seen few candidates who can match his honesty, authenticity, and willingness to give straight answers."

Butland was impressed with Paul's service in the Iraq war, and truly believes that Paul has what it takes to win this race for the U.S. Senate.

"Paul Hackett is a genuine American hero who will serve his country as ably in the U.S. Senate as he did in Iraq. If you think it's time ordinary Ohioans had a voice in Washington, Paul is your candidate. He'll be nobody's Senator but yours."

For more on Hackett's campaign, click here.
For more on Brown's campaign, click here.
For more on DeWine's campaign, click here.