Thursday night at the Froelick's Classic Corner in Steubenville, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland endorsed Lou Gentile for the open seat of representative of Ohio's 95th District. Addressing a packed room, the Governor said Gentile's sincere and gentle demeanor, along with his concern for people makes him the perfect candidate for the position.

Gentile said he was humbled by the huge turnout and the number of other political candidates that endorsed him.

At a packed house on Thursday night, Steubenville native Lou Gentile, surrounded by a number of state, county and local politicians, announced his intentions to be the next representative for Ohio's 95th District.

Gentile's biggest endorsement of the night came from the state's highest leader: Gov. Ted Strickland backed his former staffer and said the 95th district would benefit in many ways by having Gentile as its representative.

"I know how much Lou loves this region," said Gov. Ted Strickland. "I know how honest he is and I know how hard he works. I have waited for him to run for public office for a long time. He has finally reached the decision and is doing it and I would want to be no where else today other than here with Lou Gentile as he kicks off his campaign to be the next representative from the district."

Ohio State Sen. Jason Wilson, D-Columbiana, said, "Lou's a great young man. He grew up here in Steubenville, spent his whole life and his family's life here in Jefferson County. It has to be applauded to Lou and his family. He's gotten a good education, has worked with good people, including Governor Strickland."

At this point, no other candidates are in the race for the 95th district.

Gentile recently served as assistant director of the Governor's Office of Appalachia.

Ohio Representative Allan Sayre, D-Harrison, Steubenville Mayor Dominick Mucci and other county judges and commissioners were also there to endorse Gentile.