Dennis Kucinich Set To Join Ohio Gubernatorial Race

Dennis Kucinich is joining a crowded field of contenders all looking to succeed the term-limited John Kasich as governor. The former mayor of Cleveland developed a national profile after he led two unsuccessful presidential bids in 2004 and 2008.

Kucinich last served Ohioans as a U.S. Representative, until his district was abolished in 2010. He then lost a difficult primary to Marcy Kaptur in 2012. Kaptur continues to serve in Ohio's 9th district. Kucinich has served as a TV commentator and political analyst since then.

Kucinich is 71-years-old and is now the second prominent Democrat to announce a bid to replace Kasich. The first was former Attorney General and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Chief Richard Cordray. Fellow Democrats Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley, former U.S. Representative Betty Sutton, former state representative Connie Pillich and former Ohio Senate Minority Leader Joe Schiavoni have also announced their candidacy for governor.

Ohio was recently named one of the 10 states with must-watch gubernatorial races in 2018. The Washington Post said, "Democrats hope that Republicans' domination of the state mansion, plus anti-Trump sentiment, plus a liberal hero of sorts in former Consumer Financial Protection Bureau director Richard Cordray running for the Democratic nomination, could give them the edge."

And that was before Kucinich got involved. The former youngest mayor in Cleveland history has a history of progressive policies including supporting legalizing marijuana, supporting universal healthcare and trying to impeach President George W. Bush. Expect more national attention to be lavished on Ohio's gubernatorial campaign.

Kucinich has also been active on a local level, making appearances at a variety of events. Most recently, he appeared in support of the failed bid to save Lakewood Hospital and also wrote a letter praising new Lakewood City Councilman Tristan Rader.

On the other side of the aisle, Republicans appear to be lining up behind the ticket of current Attorney General Mike DeWine and lieutenant governor candidate Jon Husted, who folded his own campaign for governor to join DeWine. That "super ticket" will have to beat out Kasich's Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor and U.S. Representative Jim Renacci.

Photo from Rick Uldricks, Patch