Ohio candidate sees economic plus in Lebron James' return

CINCINNATI — Ohio’s Democratic candidate for governor says LeBron James’ return to Cleveland would boost more than the Cavaliers’ title chances.

Ed FitzGerald is the chief executive of Cuyahoga County, which includes Cleveland. He is launching a weekend swing through southern Ohio focusing on the economy and talked about James in an interview Friday in Cincinnati, shortly before Sports Illustrated reported James’ decision to return to his home state.

RELATED: Lebron James returns to Cleveland Cavaliers

FitzGerald says after James left for Miami four years ago, it hit Cuyahoga County’s revenues because of reduced downtown attendance and activities.

He says James’ return would be good for the economy and help keep Cleveland’s momentum going. The Republican National Committee announced plans this week to hold its 2016 convention there.

FitzGerald is trying to unseat Republican Gov. John Kasich.

DAN SEWELL, Associated Press