Jerry Springer won't run for Ohio governor

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Talk show host Jerry Springer, a former mayor of Cincinnati, says he won't be a Democratic candidate for Ohio governor next year.

Springer ruled out any run for statewide office in statement Tuesday that said his entering the race now would be "irresponsible, divisive and a betrayal of principle for me to jump into the race at this late stage," the Cincinnati Enquirer reported.

Springer last ran for governor in 1982 when he lost to Richard Celeste. Springer, 61, is throwing his support behind U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland.

"We have a candidate and a wonderful opportunity for party unity," Springer wrote. "Let's not blow it."