(Columbus) - Is the door now open for a run for Ohio governor by Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald?

Former Governor Ted Strickland said Tuesday that he wiill not to seek election as Governor of Ohio in 2014. 

In a statement, Strickland says, “In many ways, this has been a very difficult decision. I look back fondly on my time as Ohio’s 68th Governor –and am proud of my Administration’s efforts to guide our state through the greatest national economic crisis since the Great Depression."

Strickland added, “When I look back on my four years as Governor, I am equally proud of those in the Strickland Administration who served the public with honor, integrity, and humility. We sought to make Ohio better...In short, I believe my Administration stood and spoke for the causes that count.

Ohio Democratic Chairman Chris Redfern released the following statement:

“Former Governor Ted Strickland served honorably, positioning Ohio’s economy to emerge - starting in February 2010 – from the worst national recession since the Great Depression. Governor Strickland laid the foundation for our economic recovery, all while preserving the state’s social safety net, passing a budget with unanimous, bipartisan backing, championing transparency, and supporting schools and communities from every corner of Ohio."

“Now that Governor Strickland has announced his intentions, strong Democratic officeholders that are prepared to hold this Administration accountable for its anti-worker, anti-woman agenda that has unfairly skyrocketed local taxes can begin earnestly exploring why only 36% of Ohioans believe Governor John Kasich deserves to be re-elected.”

Republicans say Strickland’s decision doesn’t change their strategy for getting Gov. John Kasich re-elected in 2014.

Touting Gov. Kasich’s record on jobs, the budget, and taxes, Ohio Republican Party executive director Matt Broeges says it’s no surprise that Strickland decided not to run again. He doesn’t know who the democrats will eventually run, but knows it will have a different dynamic.

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