Ted Strickland made it official: His hat is indeed in the ring.

In a media teleconference this morning, U.S. Sixth District Congressman Ted Strickland said he will be a Democratic candidate for governor in 2006.

Strickland said he was reversing an earlier decision not to run because he has become increasingly worried about the state's condition and its future.

"The great state of Ohio is in desperate need of change," Strickland said. "I think I have the leadership, the vision and the drive to lead Ohio to a better day."

The 63-year-old, six-term Congressman pledged to "fight for the dignity of families and all Ohioans and to restore optimism."

Strickland also said he would work to reverse a downward slide that began years ago and continues to plague the state.

Today's announcement is an about-face from an announcement made in January. At that time, Strickland said he would not run for governor but would stay in Washington to work on such issues as health care, veterans' needs, trade policies and Social Security.

Strickland said since he announced he would not run for governor, numerous people - both in Ohio and throughout the nation have asked him to reconsider.

"The state is in trouble," he said. "It is headed in the wrong direction and an increasing number of people are recognizing that. I have come to believe Ohio is looking for change and desperately, desperately needs hope and optimism."

Strickland admitted that the list of people who spoke to him about his future included former President Bill Clinton and former presidential candidate Howard Dean.

Strickland said the decision by U.S. Congressman Sherrod Brown of Mansfield, not to seek the governor's office was also a factor in his decision to run, but was not the lone consideration.

The two congressmen are friends and Strickland said he had agreed to support Brown if the Mansfield Democrat had chosen to run.

Strickland's decision to run got a warm response from local Democrats.

"I am ecstatic," said Mark McCown, secretary/treasurer for the Lawrence County Democratic Party. "I think Ted has done a wonderful job as congressman and I think he will do a wonderful job as governor. He has gained a perspective on many issues that other candidates do not have, not just national issues, but statewide issues as well.

He is also from rural, middle America and he has never forgotten that."

McCown said Strickland may well be the only candidate who would be able to address the state's years-long economic decline that has resulted in massive job losses.

Five people have announced plans to run for Governor. In addition to the two Democrats, three Republican statewide officeholders - Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell, Attorney General Jim Petro and Auditor Betty Montgomery - have announced their intentions to run as well.