Democrat Ted Strickland is in next year's race for governor.
The six-term congressman says since announcing in January that he would not seek the office, Ohio has continued a decline and it's time for him to step up.
The 63-year-old Strickland says many Democrats have approached him about running. He joins Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman in the race for the Democratic nomination.
Strickland says his campaign is not about Coleman, but he's running against Republicans, who have held the office since 1990.
Three statewide officeholders are seeking the Republican nomination -- Attorney General Jim Petro, Auditor Betty Montgomery and Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell.
Strickland was elected in 1992, lost his seat in 1994 and won it back in 1996. He's held it ever since. (Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)