Dems pressing Jerry Springer to run for Ohio governor: report

Democrats in Ohio are urging controversial talk-show host Jerry Springer to run for governor, according to Business Insider.

Springer, the former mayor of Cincinnati, is reportedly weighing a run for office more seriously than he has before.

An Ohio Democrat who spoke with Springer told Business Insider that he had not dismissed the possibility and would contemplate launching a bid if “needed by the party.”

{mosads}”I think he has a very strong ability to communicate what I think is the heart of the Democratic message,” former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland (D) said. “I think he is a superb communicator.”

Springer, who has stayed active in Ohio politics, has reportedly met with key political players in the state.

The host of “The Jerry Springer Show” told an Ohio newspaper in February that calls for him to run have gained new traction following the victory of President Trump, who was known before entering politics for his business ventures and later as a host of “The Celebrity Apprentice.”

“What’s probably giving it more juice this time is the Trump victory,” Springer told The Cincinnati Enquirer. “People are thinking that somebody outside the traditional political establishment can win. His constituency is basically mine. These are fans of the show. I could be Trump without the racism.”

Current Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R) is term-limited in 2018, leaving a wide open race for governor of the key swing state.

Other Democrats have already announced bids to run, including former Ohio state Rep. Connie Pillich, Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley and state Sen. Joe Schiavoni.

Springer attended the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.