Democrat announces he is not running for Ohio governor

U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Niles, ended political speculation with an announcement Friday that he will not run for governor of Ohio in 2014.

Ryan issued a statement that said in part: “This is the most exciting time in the history of Northeast Ohio and it has become increasingly clear to me that I will be able to do more for the region, state, and country by continuing to serve in the House of Representatives rather than running for governor.”

Ryan, who has served in Congress since 2003, was considered a contender for the Ohio Democratic Party’s nomination to run against incumbent Gov. John Kasich.

While Ryan is stepping back, Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald is stepping up. FitzGerald, a former Lakewood mayor and former FBI special agent, formed an exploratory committee and has hired veteran politicos as campaign staff. Other possible Democratic candidates include former U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton and former Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray.

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