Matt Dolan seeking Steve LaTourette's seat in Congress

CLEVELAND - Former State Rep. Matt Dolan confirmed to NewsChannel5 Monday his intention to reach out to Republican party leaders to seek the party nod to replace retiring Congressman Steve LaTourette on the November ballot.

LaTourette announced last week his decision to withdraw from the race and not seek a 10th term.

"I do feel that the current climate has increased the toll that it takes on the person,” LaTourette said during his announcement. “I’ve reached the conclusion that the toll that it takes on me as a person is now a greater weight than what I can do as the congressman in this atmosphere."

When he heard the news last week, Dolan said he was “surprised and a little bit saddened.” After thinking it through, his “passion for public service” prompted him to begin the process of reaching out to those who must now pick a replacement for LaTourette on the November ballot.

LaTourette will make his decision official this Wednesday, Aug. 8, at which time the seven-county Republican chair in the area that makes up the 14th Congressional District will be among those deciding who the nominee will be. That decision must be reached by Monday, Aug. 13.

Dolan represented part of the district while serving in the Ohio Legislature and a former chief assistant prosecutor in Geauga County. He was the Republican candidate for Cuyahoga County executive in 2010, losing to Democrat Ed FitzGerald.

Dolan is the son of Cleveland Indians owner Larry Dolan.

Dolan said he believes the problems facing this country -- controlling spending, economic recovery and having a fair tax system -- require a well-thought out approach that he looks forward to bringing to the office.