Columbus -- Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald launched an exploratory committee March 11 for a potential run against Gov. John Kasich next year.
FitzGerald is the first Democratic to formalize his potential candidacy among several rumored to be considering the governor's race. He is a former FBI special agent, assistant prosecutor and suburban Cleveland mayor who was elected Cuyahoga County executive two years ago.
In a released statement March 11, FitzGerald said he was "beginning a conversation" with the people of Ohio. He was also critical of cuts to local government funding under Kasich's administration.
"Do we really have to settle for a state government that robs our communities, forcing cuts to police, firefighters and teachers?," he asked. "Or is something better possible? Do we really have to settle for a governor who wants new taxes on everyday Ohioans while giving big tax breaks for those at the top? Or is something better possible? I think something better is possible."
Ohio Republican Party spokesman Matthew Henderson retorted in a later statement concerning FitzGerald's candidacy, "Ohioans just can't wait for two years worth of more negative attacks."
Marc Kovac is the Dix Capital Bureau Chief. Email him at mkovac@dixcom.com or on Twitter at OhioCapitalBlog.
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