Richard Celeste's son may run for US Senate



He is the son of former two-term governor Richard Celeste and the first non-politician to make the rounds from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee to Ohio party leaders about his possible candidacy. The 43-year-old Shaker Heights resident, who also has a home in Columbus, has had a successful 20-year career as a entrepreneur investing in and launching technology companies, something he hopes to exploit in a campaign. Richard Celeste served as the 9th director of the Peace Corps after his appointment by President Carter. He has also served as Governor of Ohio, Ambassador to India, and President of Colorado College since 2002.

Richard Celeste's son may run for US Senate

Former governor's son Christopher Celeste eyeing Voinovich's Senate seat

Posted by Mark Naymik/Plain Dealer

Politics Writer February 13, 2009 14:53PM

Categories: Real Time News
PD file / 2004Christopher Celeste

SHAKER HEIGHTS -- While no Democrat has officially jumped into the race for George Voinovich's U.S. Senate seat in 2010, add Christopher Celeste to the list of those exploring a bid.

He is the son of former two-term governor Richard Celeste and the first non-politician to make the rounds from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee to Ohio party leaders about his possible candidacy.

The 43-year-old Shaker Heights resident, who also has a home in Columbus, has had a successful 20-year career as a entrepreneur investing in and launching technology companies, something he hopes to exploit in a campaign.

Ohio Lt. Lee Fisher and Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner are also considering entering the race. Fisher recently formed a exploratory campaign that allows him to raise money for the race.

Celeste said he wants to put "innovation, creativity and change" at the forefront of his politics in Ohio.

About his father's political shadow, he said, "My father's career doesn't entitle me to anything other than an understanding of what you can and cannot do."

(Celeste's uncle - Ted Celeste -- was an unsuccessful candidate for the U.S. Senate seat in 2000.)

Republican former congressman and Bush administration official Rob Portman is the only candidate to officially enter the race to replace Voinovich, who announced recently that he will not seek a third term next year.

Links to Related Topics (Tags):

Headlines: February, 2009; Richard Celeste; Figures; Peace Corps Directors; Richard Celeste (Director 1979 - 1981); University Administration

When this story was posted in February 2009, this was on the front page of PCOL:




Peace Corps Online The Independent News Forum serving Returned Peace Corps Volunteers

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Director Ron Tschetter: The PCOL Interview Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter sat down for an in-depth interview to discuss the evacuation from Bolivia, political appointees at Peace Corps headquarters, the five year rule, the Peace Corps Foundation, the internet and the Peace Corps, how the transition is going, and what the prospects are for doubling the size of the Peace Corps by 2011. Read the interview and you are sure to learn something new about the Peace Corps. PCOL previously did an interview with Director Gaddi Vasquez.

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Some PCVs return to Bolivia on their own Peace Corps has withdrawn all volunteers from Bolivia because of "growing instability" and the expulsion of US Ambassador Philip Goldberg after Bolivian President Evo Morales accused the American government of inciting violence in the country. This is not the first controversy surrounding Goldberg's tenure as US ambassador to Bolivia. Latest: Some volunteers have returned to Bolivia on their own to complete their projects.

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