Look up long shot in the dictionary. Any revised edition should include Joe Schriner’s picture next to the entry.

But credit Schriner, 52, an independent from Cleveland, for raising awareness about issues and getting his name out there in his White House bid.

“Average Joe’’ Schriner campaigned in downtown Erie and received a warm welcome from drivers and passersby, despite a rain that didn’t let up until his 30-minute campaign event ended.

He might not raise much campaign cash. Heck, he might not even get on the ballot.

But for what it’s worth, Schriner — not Hillary Clinton, not Barack Obama, not Mitt Romney, not Rudy Giuliani, nor any other major party candidate — was the first to make an appearance here in the 2008 race.

He and his family are traveling around the nation in their campaign headquarters, a 1984 donated motor home with 236,000 miles.

I suggested to Schriner that he couldn’t really think he had a chance. But he begged to differ.

“Wouldn’t it be refreshing to have an average family from Cleveland — who happens to be Browns fans — in D.C.?’’ he said.

Schriner’s Web site is www.voteforjoe.com.

— John Guerriero