Is a run for governor in Strickland's future?

The congressman isn't interested in any other statewide office.
& lt;a href=mailto:skolnick@vindy.com & gt;By DAVID SKOLNICK & lt;/a & gt;
VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Running for governor isn't something U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland thought he'd ever do.
But the more times he's approached by political and labor leaders about the possibility of running for the seat in 2006, the more it intrigues him.
"My skills, interests and temperament are very good for being a congressman," Strickland said Monday during an interview with Vindicator editors and reporters. "I'd have to conclude whether I'd want to be governor and whether I'd be a good one. It's impossible to know what life will bring. I'll consider it and keep an open mind about it."
Strickland, of Lisbon, D-6th, is seeking his sixth term in the U.S. House. Diane DiCarlo Murphy of Beaver Township, a political newcomer, is challenging him.
Strickland says candidly that he is not taking the challenge too seriously. Murphy has vowed to spend only $3,000 of her own money on the race and not take any political contributions. Strickland has more than $300,000 in his campaign fund but says he may spend nothing on the race.
"She may outspend me," he said. "Many people don't know I have an opponent."
Strickland is surprised that no Republican filed to challenge him in the November general election.
U.S. Senate possibilities
As for his political future beyond this year, Strickland said running for governor is a possibility. But he has absolutely no interest in running for any other statewide office.
When asked if he would consider a run for the U.S. Senate, Strickland paused.
"That's very interesting; I'd love to be in the Senate," he said. "I love the Senate rules."
But Strickland said he has so much respect for U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine, a Republican who is up for re-election in 2006, that he wouldn't consider challenging DeWine.
"This statement may come back to haunt me, but I have a respectful relationship with Sen. DeWine," Strickland said. "I like him personally. I don't think I'd ever challenge him. If he ran in 2006, I can't see me challenging him."
& lt;a href=mailto:skolnick@vindy.com & gt;skolnick@vindy.com & lt;/a & gt;