Jerry Springer announces decision on running for governor

Former Cincinnati mayor Jerry Springer is getting a new television show.
Former Cincinnati mayor Jerry Springer is getting a new television show.
Updated: Nov. 30, 2017 at 9:59 AM EST
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CINCINNATI, OH (FOX19) - Jerry Springer revealed his decision on whether he'll run for Ohio governor.

He announced Wednesday on his podcast that he will not be entering the race.

Springer, a former Cincinnati mayor and tabloid talk show host, said he's been considering the possibility since the spring.

"You get a call out of nowhere, and then all of a sudden a bunch of calls and emails, and then they want to have a meeting," said Springer.

He's been active in Ohio politics for nearly 50 years.

"It's a real passion for me: political issues, my love of Ohio, what it's meant in my life, and so I take this stuff really, really seriously," said Springer.

He said he thought about it very seriously, did research and polls.

"To be blunt, it really looked like I could win," he said. "So it wasn't just 'oh, this would be exciting to run', it's like all of a sudden for really the first time in my life, it was like the perfect storm. It was an open seat in Ohio, it was a state that's been a major part of my life, and I love politics so much and I love the issues."

Springer said he had a lot to consider before making a decision.

"The day I'd be taking office, I'd be a month short of my 75th birthday, am I prepared to make a five year commitment at this age?" asked Springer. "I can't responsibly say that I can do it."

He said the decision was "purely personal," and it's just not something he can do as a husband, father and grandfather.

Springer added that he made his final decision after talking with his family on Thanksgiving.

You can listen to the full podcast here.

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