The Des Moines Register's take

Clinton: Bill advises me whenever he can
By JENNIFER JACOBS
The Des Moines Register

Hillary Clinton said she is bringing the leader of a key swing state with her to Saturday's Jefferson Jackson Dinner in Des Moines.

Clinton wants Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, who endorsed her Friday, to experience "one of the great political events that we have in America," she told reporters on a conference call announcing the endorsement this morning.

She said she wants Strickland to see "9,000 active Democrats being whipped up to get ready for the caucuses on Jan. 3."

The dinner, sponsored by the Iowa Democratic Party, is sold out.

Clinton pointed out that Strickland is a popular in Ohio. His approval rating was 69 percent during an Ohio Poll in May. Among Democratic voters, 75 percent like the governor's performance; 65 percent of Republican voters agreed.

Strickland said "these are very serious times for our nation," and Clinton has the best understanding of the problems and is the best prepared to lead.

"The road to the White House goes through Ohio," Clinton said, adding that she's proud to have Strickland traveling that road with her.