Strickland discounts veep bid

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Ohio Governor Ted Strickland (D-Lisbon)

COLUMBUS (AP) — Gov. Ted Strickland says he’s not interested in being vice president, no matter which candidate asks.

The first-term governor has been emphatic he has no interest in being his Democratic Party’s vice presidential nominee. His favorite candidate, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, faces a tough route to the nomination, but Strickland says he remains committed to her and to staying off the ticket.

In recent days, Strickland’s name has been floated as a potential running mate for Clinton rival Barack Obama. Strickland says the speculation is a creation of the media.

Strickland worked hard for Clinton’s primary victory in Ohio in March. He says she should stay in the race, despite pressure to exit. He has doubts but still thinks there’s a chance she could beat Obama.