Springer Lands Democratic Delegate Job

CINCINNATI, Ohio – Ohio Democrats have chosen talk-show host Jerry Springer (search) to be an at-large delegate for the Democratic National Convention (search ) in Boston.

"He's made 50 appearances at Democratic events this year. He's been an outspoken advocate for the party," said Dan Trevas, spokesman for the Ohio Democratic Party.

Springer, who was the mayor of Cincinnati before hosting the raunchy "The Jerry Springer Show," was named Democrat of the Year by the state party last weekend.

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He was named Friday as one of 159 delegates and 24 alternates from Ohio at the convention July 26-29, when Sen. John Kerry (search ) is expected to be nominated as the party's candidate for president.

"We welcome all delegates," said Jennifer Palmieri, Ohio spokeswoman for the Kerry campaign.

State Republicans said Democrats sank low by naming Springer as a delegate.

"They ought to be absolutely embarrassed and ashamed of this guy, but obviously standards take a back seat to power in the party of Bill Clinton (search )," Ohio Republican chairman Robert T. Bennett said.

Springer, 60, spent about $1 million last year exploring whether to run for the Senate before deciding not to challenge incumbent Republican Sen. George Voinovich. He said he realized he couldn't be elected as long as he continued to host his syndicated talk show.

Springer is considering running in 2006 for either Ohio governor or for the state's other Senate seat.