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Local Democrats are putting their support behind a lesser-known candidate in the race for U.S. Senate. Summit County officials came together Tuesday morning to publicly endorse 31-year-old P.G. Sittenfeld, a Cincinnati councilman and candidate in the Senate race against Ted Strickland in the Democratic primary.

"I think that he understands what we go through," said Summit County Executive Russ Pry. "It's not just about passing bills. We have to figure out how to implement a lot of those different bills at the local level."

Summit County Executive Russ Pry, State Senator Tom Sawyer, Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan, President of Summit County Council Ilene Shapiro, and State Rep. Emilia Sykes were among those who publicly put their support behind Sittenfeld at Greystone Hall Tuesday morning.

But Sittenfeld said it's about more than just an endorsement .

"The people here today are saying this is why I support PG," said Sittenfeld. "We as a Democratic party should never be afraid of the democratic process, and that would be my main message here today."

State Rep. Emilia Sykes says Sittenfeld offers fresh ideas -- and can connect with the youth.

"We have an issue in the state of Ohio with brain drain," said Sykes. "We have to continue to make sure that we have young people who are willing and able and ready to take on the task in the state of Ohio."

Senator Tom Sawyer was one of five who applauded Sittenfeld's attention to local communities and new ideas -- and even encouraged a debate between Sittenfeld and Ted Strickland who is scheduled to speak at the Akron Press Club on Monday, Jan. 25. Sittenfeld accepted the invitation.

"I would be delighted to debate Ted Strickland at the Akron Press Club next Monday, should the invitation be issued and accepted on his end," said Sittenfeld. 

While some critics and recent polls suggest that Sittenfeld will not win in a race against Republican Senator Rob Portman based on name recognition, Sittenfeld responds with hope that voters will look beyond the name.

"What [polls] usually reflect, and what they absolutely reflect at this moment in this campaign is name recognition. And the reality is, 'I have high name ID' isn't a very inspiring campaign slogan.

While Summit County leaders announced their support Sittenfeld, Strickland received an early endorsement in April from the Ohio Democratic Party. 

Strickland released his list of endorsements Tuesday morning, which includes Portage County Democratic Party Chair Craig Stephens.

The winner in the Democratic primary in March will face off against Republican Sen. Rob Portman in the general election.