Cordray announces Betty Sutton as his running mate for governor

SANDUSKY — Former Congresswoman Betty Sutton dropped out of the Democratic race for governor Wednesday to become Richard Cordray's running mate, clarifying voters' choices in the May 8 primary. Cordray, a former Ohio attorney general, announced his selection of Sutton as his lieutenant governor candidate in a press conference in Akron and in an email sent to supporters."Betty brings unmatched experience to this campaign. Her election to Congress made her the first Democratic woman in Ohio to serve as a legislator at the local, county, state and federal levels," Cordray wrote in his email. "In Washington, she helped pass landmark legislation to support America's auto industry, protect workers from unfair trade policies, guarantee benefits for our veterans, and secure quality, affordable health care for millions through the Affordable Care Act."Sutton wrote on Twitter she's happy to join Cordray's campaign."I'm so grateful for the overwhelming number of friends and supporters who braved the icy roads this morning to be with @RichCordray and me as we announced the joining of our campaigns in Akron. With you, we will build an Ohio that works for everyone!" she said.Sutton, 54, left Congress in 2012 after she lost a race to Jim Renacci after her district was changed following redistricting.Cordray becomes the second candidate for governor to turn a rival for the nomination into a running mate. Mike DeWine, who is seeking the Republican nomination for governor, shook up the Republican race by persuading Ohio's secretary of state, Jon Husted, to drop out and become his running mate.State Sen. Joe Schiavoni, another Democrat running for governor, referenced that in a statement Wednesday."The Cordray-Sutton combination makes sense, just like DeWine-Husted did. They're all following the same political playbook. But this year, voters are looking for something different," Schiavoni said, adding voters who want to look at a candidate with real plans should visit JoeForJobs.com.Other Democratic candidates who have announced running mates include Schiavoni, who selected Stephanie Dodd of Hebron, a member of the state school board. Another Democratic candidate, William O'Neill, picked Chantelle Lewis, an elementary school principal in Lorain County. Democratic candidates Connie Pillich, a former Ohio House member, and Nan Whaley, the mayor of Duncan, haven't announced running mates yet.Former Democratic congressman, and Cleveland mayor, Dennis Kucinich has signaled he might run for governor, too, but has not made an announcement.As for Republican candidates for governor, the DeWine-Husted ticket still faces two opponents: Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor and U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci.Taylor's running mate is Cincinnati businessman Nathan Estruth. Renacci's running mate is Amy Murray, a member of the Cincinnati City Council.State treasurer John Mandel's recent decision to drop out of the U.S Senate race has prompted speculation Taylor or Renacci, or both, might end their campaigns for governor and run for the Senate instead.Reach reporter Tom Jackson at jackson@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @jacksontom.Richard Cordray, left, and Betty Sutton at Wednesday's announcement in Akron that Sutton is joining Cordray's ticket.