There's another hat that won't be thrown into the ring for the Ohio Governor's race next year.

In a letter to the Plain Dealer, former Democratic congresswoman Betty Sutton said she will not seek the office in 2014.

She lost her seat on Capitol Hill to Republican Jim Renacci in a re-drawn district last November.

Sutton, from Copley Township, is the latest among prominent state Democrats who have turned down the chance to take on GOP incumbent Governor John Kasich.

It includes congressman Tim Ryan and former Governor Ted Strickland.

One name still out there for the Dems--Cuyahoga County Executive Ed Fitzgerald, who is forming an exploratory committee to look at his chances of winning.
 

The congressman who's district stretches from Youngstown to Akron is declining a bid for the Ohio Democratic nomination for Governor in 2014.

Tim Ryan's decision comes on the heels of Cuyahoga County Executive Ed Fitzgerald's decision to set up an exploratory committee that allows him to start fundraising and setting up a campaign organization before making any run official. Fitzgerald, Ryan and federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau czar Richard Cordray had been mentioned as the strongest candidates Ohio Democrats could field for the right to challenge Republican Governor John Kasich next year.

In a statement released by his office, Ryan said he would continue to lead in efforts to grow opportunity in Ohio. He specifically mentioned Akron's Austen BioInnovation Institute as well as efforts to build Tech Belt linking businesses and Universities crossing not only local congressional districts but also into Pennsylvania.

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(Congressman Tim Ryan) "This is the most exciting time in the history of Northeast Ohio and it has become increasingly clear to me that I will be able to do more for the region, state, and country by continuing to serve in the House of Representatives rather than running for governor. For decades, our young people have yearned for more opportunities, and now those opportunities are growing everyday. By continuing to lead that effort from my current position in Congress, together we can continue to build upon those accomplishments.

We have already accomplished much in our region, from the Austen BioInnovation Institute in Akron, to the Kent Central Gateway project, to the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute and a new billion dollar steel pipe factory in Youngstown. We have made great progress because of regional cooperation including Tech Belt, a vibrant 21st century mega-region that stretches from Cleveland and Akron over to Youngstown and Pittsburgh. Our region's success has been recognized as a model by national and international publications, as well as the President of the United States in his State of the Union.

Although the region has seen a tremendous turnaround, we are still at the early stages of our revitalization with too many people who have yet to share in that recent success. I recognize that I am in a unique position to help create opportunities for these people. I also wish to continue the work I am doing with our active duty troops and veterans, especially those who carry so much of the trauma of war and suffer from post-traumatic stress.

It has been an honor to serve in Congress for the great people of Northeast Ohio. I am and forever will be grateful for the support I've received over the years. I want to thank all of my dear friends, family and staff members for their views and support while I was considering this decision. I am blessed to have so many smart and caring leaders in my life from so many of the great communities around Ohio. I look forward to continuing this important work as we help Ohio reach its full potential."

From two possible challengers to unopposed in the March primary.

That's the situation for 17th district congressman Tim Ryan, who is running in the newly reconfigured 13th district.

Two expected Democratic challengers won't appear on the ballot against Ryan, despite filing for the earlier December 7th deadline.

"The December 7th filings were null and void," Summit County elections board president Ron Koehler tells AkronNewsNow.com, "and we received word from one of (the potential candidates) that they were not going to refile, and the other one just did not refile."

The two non-filing candidates were John Stephen Luchansky of Boardman and Lisa Regula of Kent.

The deadline changed due to the passage of House Bill 389 in Columbus.  That law, signed by Governor John Kasich set Ohio's only primary date for March 6th...and Koehler says candidates had to refile their petitions after that law took effect.

Republican Marisha Agana [[ mar-ISH-uh ah-GONE-uh]] of Warren did file, and as the only Republican candidate, she'll face Ryan in December.