Jerry Springer: 'I will let people know' if I'm running for Ohio governor

Credit: Anthony Shoemaker

Credit: Anthony Shoemaker

Several high-profile Democrats are reportedly pushing for former talk-show host and Cincinnati mayor Jerry Springer to jump in the race for Ohio governor.

Read the full article by Allan Smith and Maxwell Tani here

The Business Insider is reporting that "Many said Springer, who sought the Democratic nomination for governor of Ohio in 1982 and remains active in state politics, could be a good fit for the current political climate."

According to the article, former Gov. Ted Strickland had discussed possibly running with Springer.

"He said he had also spoken with candidates such as Mayor Nan Whaley of Dayton, former state Rep. Connie Pillich, and the former state Senate Minority Leader Joe Schiavoni," the article says.

On Tuesday, Springer responded saying"The issue of me running for political office frequently comes up because I am constantly touring around, giving speeches and raising money for the party."

He said "If I do ever decide to throw my hat in the ring ... I will let people know. At this point ... I don't even have a hat."

John Green, a distinguished professor of political science at the University of Akron, told Business Insider in an email that "under ordinary circumstances, a candidate like Springer would not be an especially strong prospect for governor."

"For one thing he has been out of Ohio politics for some time," Green said. "But given the success of Trump, a candidate like Springer might be successful. The Democrats have a number of declared candidates, but most are unknown outside of own area and none have held state-wide office. So there is an opportunity for an unconventional candidate with name recognition."

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