Democrat Ohio Governor Ted Strickland

Scratch Ohio Governor Ted Strickland as an Obama running mate. Strickland does NOT want the job.

Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland (D) was Shermanesque on Tuesday in saying that he would “absolutely not” be Sen. Barack Obama’s, D-Ill., running mate even if asked to join the Democratic ticket.

Asked on NPR’s “All Things Considered” if he is auditioning to be Obama’s running mate, Strickland said, “Absolutely not. If drafted I will not run, nominated I will not accept and if elected I will not serve.

So, I don’t know how more crystal clear I can be.”

Strickland was seen by some political handicappers as an attractive vice presidential pick for Obama because he is a popular chief executive and former House member who hails from Ohio, the state which decided the 2004 election.

Strickland was also a high-profile backer of Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., which would have allowed Obama to present his selection as a play towards party unity.

Two down as Virginia Senator James Webb seemingly wrote himself out of contention.

Ted Strickland knows that Barack Obama may have a rough time in Ohio against John McCain and why endanger himself.

Besides Strickland is tight with Hillary. Why stand in her way?