Discussing Kerry visit, mayor mulls '06 race

The Columbus mayor will be with the presidential candidate Sunday.
By DAVID SKOLNICK
VINDICATOR POLITICS WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman said he won't decide until the end of the year on a 2006 gubernatorial bid, but he's talking like a candidate.
Coleman held a teleconference Thursday with Ohio reporters to discuss the weekend visit of U.S. Sen. John Kerry, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, to Columbus and the party's national convention.
But a question by The Vindicator steered the conversation to his political plans.
"Whoever runs for governor needs support from people all over Ohio," Coleman said, alluding that he would be that person. "I haven't made a decision. My decision to run or not to run will not be based on who's in the race."
Several other Democrats are eyeing gubernatorial bids in 2006, with the most prominent names being U.S. Rep. Ted Strickland of Lisbon, D-6th, and controversial talk-show host Jerry Springer. Coleman, Strickland and Springer are delegates at next week's Democratic convention in Boston to officially nominate Kerry and his running mate, U.S. Sen. John Edwards.
"Jerry Springer is a nice guy; he's an entertainer," Coleman said. "Sometimes we need to be entertained." He then added that the last part of his quote was a joke.
Making a run for it?
Strickland says he is the best Democratic gubernatorial candidate because he has won congressional races in the southern and eastern parts of Ohio, traditionally Republican counties.
Strickland has participated in numerous teleconferences with Ohio news reporters supporting Kerry, a move he acknowledges helps increase his name recognition statewide.
Coleman is apparently using the same tactic. He spoke to reporters Thursday about Kerry's upcoming visit to Columbus -- the mayor will be by the candidate's side during two Sunday events in the city -- as well as his involvement in the Democratic convention.
Coleman is among 11 convention vice chairs, and the only one from Ohio. He also said he's been contacted by convention officials to be among those who deliver speeches nominating Kerry as the party's presidential candidate.
skolnick@vindy.com