Democrats debating Cordray’s future
WASHINGTON — Even as Richard Cordray declines to say a word publicly on whether he will run for governor of Ohio, a number of Democrats are increasingly convinced that the head of the federal consumer bureau will compete for next year’s Democratic nomination.
Although Ohio Democratic hopes may be based on wishful thinking instead of direct knowledge, insiders believe that as a former state attorney general, Cordray would quickly become both the favorite to win the Democratic nomination and be a strong candidate against the eventual Republican nominee.
Because of federal law, Cordray is prohibited from even discussing future political plans. On a conference call last month with Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, Cordray tersely deflected questions about politics, saying he would only discuss his work as head of the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
“He has not made a decision,” said Joe Rugolo, director of the Ohio Association of Public School Employees and a longtime Cordray ally.
“I know he has a deep and abiding concern over the future of the state,” said Rugolo. “But he has done an awful lot of good work in Washington, and he is proud of it.”
And Rugolo added, “He’s concerned about walking away when he believes there are important pieces he could put in place despite the obstacles he faces. I know he is wrestling to reconcile those two impulses.”
Former state Rep. Mike Curtin, D-Marble Cliff, said “most people who know Rich believe he will run. I do. However, I do not know a soul who has actually heard him say that.