The U.S. Senate won't turn into a chair-throwing trash-and-pornfest after all, for the time being. Citing contractual and other obligations, controversial television host Jerry Springer says he will not seek the Democratic nomination to challenge incumbent Ohio Republican Senator Mike DeWine.
Springer's announcement follows closely on remarks from the head of the Ohio AFL-CIO suggesting Springer was a potential powerhouse candidate against the Republican.
Springer is considered a committed liberal who favors government spending and free speech. Many Democrats were disinclined to challenge DeWine, and reports say a little-known former state legislator, Richard Cordray, is looking into making the race for the Democrats.
Springer is known today for the raciest, nearest-to-X-rated topics and guests, but his political background includes a term on Cincinnati's City Council and as the city's mayor, before he turned to television as an anchor and commentator in the early 1980s.
Springer as candidate was an idea first floated by the Democratic leader of Hamilton County, which includes Cincinnati, who suggested Springer could be a viable and fascinating candidate. But the prospect was condemned by editorial writers and many office holders almost as sharply as The Jerry Springer Show - whose ratings have fallen since his syndicator pressed him to cut down the violence - has been.
And, indeed, even his chosen party does not seem to be depressed that Springer has taken himself out of the picture. Ohio Congressman Ted Strickland, a fellow Democrat, told the Associated Press he is feeling "joy" now that Springer isn't going to make the race.
Strickland himself chose to stay in the House despite receiving overtures to make a Senate race. He had sworn never to share any stage with Springer if Springer became the Senate candidate.
