OH-SOS: Marilyn Brown Candidacy Announcement Makes It Official

Marilyn Brown is officially in the Secretary of State race as a candidate. This statement just went out:

Columbus – Today, Franklin County Commissioner Marilyn Brown officially announced her candidacy for Ohio Secretary of State.

“I plan to build on the reforms and improvements started by Secretary of State Brunner.  In addition, I plan to focus on strengthening the relationship between the Secretary of State’s office and our 88 county boards of elections”, said Brown.

Marilyn Brown began her service as County Commissioner after defeating a three- term incumbent in 2006. During her term, she has brought her strong management skills and her willingness to listen to and work with all people to build a cooperative working environment.

Brown also touted her work to help the Franklin County Board of Elections provide better service to voters. “I am proud of the great work we were able to do in Franklin County with in person early voting at Veterans Memorial, funding a voter education campaign, and mailing notice to all voters reminding them of their voting location.  These actions helped reduce voter confusion and the long lines experienced in recent elections,” said Brown.  “Voters need to have confidence in our electoral system and we need to make it as easy as possible for them to exercise that right.  That is exactly what I plan to do as Ohio’s next Secretary of State.”

Prior to her election as County Commissioner, Marilyn had over 25 years experience in public service in Greater Cleveland and in Columbus. She has worked on a number of complex public policy issues including women’s access to college, fair housing, diversity training, and heading up a chamber of commerce. Marilyn holds a masters’ degree in organizational development from Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University.  Most recently, prior to her election, Marilyn was Public Affairs Director for the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission for eight years.

Marilyn and her husband, Franklin County Probate Judge Eric Brown, have two daughters Beryl and her husband Andrew; and Daryn. The Browns have two grandsons, Vincent and Max.  The Browns are members of Congregation Tifereth Israel in Columbus.

There’s no chance of Jennifer Brunner backing down now, this Senate primary is a fight to the finish.

I think it also should be mentioned that Brunner was mostly left out of the release. No endorsement, nothing. I’m betting that means something.