Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald to speak at SW Ohio Democrats' event

CINCINNATI - A northeast Ohio Democrat will explore the reaction to his possible run for governor with a speech to Cincinnati-area party members.

The Hamilton County Democratic Party says that Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald will be the featured speaker at an April 11 party reception. A flier says tickets start at $150 per person.

The former Lakewood mayor announced earlier this month that he is forming an exploratory committee to consider a 2014 race. He's the first Democrat to make a move toward entering the field.

Republican Gov. John Kasich was the featured speaker at a Hamilton County Republican Party dinner last week. His approval ratings have risen in polls as Ohio's economy has been improving.