Kearney out as Dem lieutenant governor candidate

COLUMBUS — Facing pressure to step down as the Democratic lieutenant running mate of Ed FitzGerald because of numerous financial problems, state Sen. Eric Kearney quit the race today.

Democratic sources had said that Kearney of Cincinnati, D-9th, wouldn’t survive the week, and they were correct.

In an email, Kearney wrote: “It’s undeniable that this has come to be a distraction from a discussion of the vital issues facing Ohio, and the choice voters must make in this election.”

Kearney added: “The stakes are too high. We need a change of leadership to move Ohio in a new direction that puts more Ohioans back to work and builds a better future for our children.”

The announcement came six days after Kearney defiantly told reporters that he wouldn’t resign from the ticket under any circumstances.

FitzGerald, Cuyahoga County executive, will now look for a replacement for Kearney.

Ohio House Minority Leader Tracy Maxwell Heard of Columbus, D-26th, and Columbus City Councilman Zach Klein, who were both on the short-list before FitzGerald selected Kearney, are considered the top possible replacements.

For the complete story, read Wednesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com