COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Democrat Ted Strickland has decided not to 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 of success as governor and will not seek the office again.
Kasich, a former investment banker and congressman, unseated Strickland as he sought a second term in 2010. It was the most expensive governor's race in Ohio history.
Strickland's departure from the race leaves Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald and U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan among remaining Democratic challengers to Kasich next year.
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