Former Governor, newspaper backs Kaptur in Democratic primary

CLEVELAND - A Republican who served as a U.S. senator and governor is offering support to one of two veteran Democrats in the primary battle for a reworked northern Ohio congressional district.

The Plain Dealer in Cleveland reports George Voinovich won't officially endorse a candidate but is backing Rep. Marcy Kaptur of Toledo. She faces Rep. Dennis Kucinich and political newcomer Graham Veysey (VEE'-zee) in the primary.
  
Voinovich says he's acting as a "reference" for Kaptur and says she would be a better choice than Kucinich. Voinovich beat Kucinich in the 1979 Cleveland mayoral race.
  
Voinovich says he would like the congressional seat to be held by a Republican but believes the district was drawn to favor the winner of the Democrat primary.

The newspaper says Kucinich declined to comment.

In similar fashion, the Plain Dealer also announced that it's editorial board has endorsed Kaptur for the 9th District Congressional Primary. The Plain Dealer states that Kaptur "has a proven knack for assembling coalitions at home, bringing together business, labor, university and government officials behind common goals."