In the weeks leading up to November 5th, endorsements for both Democratic candidates for Dayton mayor, A.J. Wagner and Nan Whaley, continue to come in. Democratic U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown endorsed Whaley last week. In a interview with WYSO Thursday, Sen. Brown said he chose to make an endorsement because local politics play a big part in the recovery of the region, which has been suffering since the loss of companies like DHL, NCR and General Motors.
Brown said he believes Whaley knows what's happening at the neighborhood level, but she is also able to work with different levels of government to promote economic development in Dayton.
"That means working with Wright-Patt, working with Sinclair Community College," he said. "It means working in the whole community in helping to create jobs and I think she understands that really well."
Earlier in the week, Whaley's opponent, A.J. Wagner drew support from political allies ahead of the election. Republican Rep. Mike Turner announced his endorsement of Wagner Monday, flanked by several county commissioners and outgoing mayor Gary Leitzell.
