Richard is nationally recognized for creating innovative fiscal policy in his home Franklin County, Ohio. He has proven time and again that he is up to the challenge of leading a largely diverse state with complex fiscal circumstances.

What Makes Richard an Extraordinary, Visionary Leader?

Richard says, “We will succeed by bringing back fiscal responsibility to our state government, by focusing on the real problems in our communities, and by offering a different brand of people-oriented leadership.” He speaks with credibility, because he already has done exactly that.

Richard drastically improved his home county’s financial situation with a visionary new approach to collecting taxes that he plans to bring to all of Ohio. As county treasurer, Richard essentially refinanced Franklin County’s taxpayer debt by auctioning off its liens and back-taxes to the bidder with the lowest interest rate. The $17.5 million influx in county revenue resulted in the only county in Ohio with the highest AAA bond rating. This visionary approach is also compassionate because it buys taxpayers more time to pay their debts to the government without fear of foreclosure, an occurrence in which Ohio leads the nation. Richard’s bold plan for the state treasurer’s office will lift Ohioans out of foreclosure, boost revenue for local governments, and spark economic growth and confidence in Ohio.

Richard’s performance in Franklin County earned him selection by American City & Council magazine as the 2005 County Leader of the Year!

This is the kind of competent and innovative governing that Ohioans will come to know from Richard Cordray.

Background

Richard Cordray currently serves as the Franklin County Treasurer, having been elected twice. He collects $1.5 billion in property taxes annually and manages an investment portfolio averaging $500 million for the only Ohio county with an AAA bond rating. Treasurer Cordray is also President of the Board of Revision and Chairman of the Budget Commission.

Treasurer Cordray is experienced in government, having served as a state representative and as Ohio’s first state solicitor. An attorney by profession, he argued six cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and he taught for 15 years at Ohio State University’s law school.

An active volunteer, Treasurer Cordray received the Ohio Legal Assistance Foundation’s Presidential Award for his work supporting legal services for the poor. In 2000, the Human Rights Campaign recognized him as its Humanitarian of the Year for his efforts to promote tolerance and understanding in our community.

Race Facts

Race Type:Open Seat
Primary Opponent: None
Primary Date:May 2, 2006
Primary Election Results: Won Primary
General Opponent: Sandra O’Brien
General Election Date:November 7, 2006
General Election Results: Won, 58 – 42 percent