Strickland won't contest Kasich in 2014

Associated Press

By JULIE CARR SMYTH Associated Press

Updated: Jan 8, 2013 1:58 PM

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Democrat Ted Strickland won't run again for governor in 2014, removing a key competitor to incumbent Republican John Kasich from the field.

Strickland said in a statement Tuesday that he stands by his record as governor and wont' seek the office again.

Kasich, a former investment banker and congressman, unseated Strickland as he sought a second term in 2010. It was among the most expensive governor's race in Ohio history, with combined spending approaching $34 million.

Strickland's decision leaves Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald and U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan among the top potential Democratic challengers to Kasich next year.

FitzGerald is a former FBI agent and mayor tapped to lead Ohio's most populous county out of scandal. Ryan is a six-term congressman from Youngstown first elected in 2002.

Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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