State Rep. Todd Book (D-McDermott) said Friday that he would not run for Ohio's 2nd District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

"After lengthy discussions with my family, friends and supporters, I believe that I will best serve the people of my district and Ohio by not running," Book said in a prepared statement. "I have faith in the convictions of those running for the 2nd District and believe they will represent the vallues and interests of our area in Washington."

The 2nd District seat was left vacant recently after President Bush named U.S. Rep. Rob Portman as a U.S. trade representative.

"We have lost one out of every six manufacturing jobs and now Ohio ranks 49th in job growth over the past 10 years," Book said. "… I believe Ohio can do better. I hope to work with Congressman Ted Strickland as he runs for governor, to bring back jobs and prosperity to Ohio.