A day after announcing his interest in the chairmanship of the Ohio Democratic Party, Dennis Wojtanowski has withdrawn.

In a statement released today, Mr. Wojtanowski said his former career as a lobbyist with a powerful Columbus-based firm has raised concerns.

Mr. Wojtanowski emerged after the current chairman, Chris Redfern, of Catawba Island Township, Ottawa County, announced he would resign, effective in mid-December.

Mr. Redfern, who still has two years left in his term, offered to step down after the party’s entire statewide slate lost Tuesday and he personally lost his race for re-election as state representative from the 89th House District.

Mr. Wojtanowski’s company, the Success Group, included Republicans and was able to represent clients of both major political parties, and make campaign contributions to candidates of both parties.

"Over the past several years, I’ve volunteered almost full time to help Democrats. While I would be honored to continue to help the party as its chairman, I’ve recently learned that my previous work and support for people on both sides of the aisle has raised concerns,” Mr. Wojtanowski said. “While I’m proud of my former work and have been transparent about it, my top priority is a strong and unified Democratic Party. I am therefore removing my name from consideration.”

Mr. Wojtanowski, 64, of Blacklick, near Columbus, is a former lawmaker from the Cleveland area. He was an aide to former Ohio Democratic Gov. Richard Celeste and a political volunteer for Sen. Sherrod Brown (D., Ohio), who offered support to him for the leadership post.

On Thursday, Mr. Brown issued a statement that, "As Democrats involved in the last three election cycles know, Denny has worked around the clock to elect Democrats. His decision to remove his name from consideration shows that he is a leader who puts the strength of the Democratic party ahead of his own interests.

“As we move forward, I will continue to listen to a diverse group of Democrats across the state for their ideas on how to strengthen our party and will continue to be engaged in the selection of a new Chair,” Mr. Brown said.

Alternative candidates that have been mentioned include Geauga County Democratic Party Chairwoman Janet Carson, recent unsuccessful Democratic candidate for state attorney general David Pepper, and John Haseley, a former chief of staff under Gov. Ted Strickland.

Also weighing in on Thursday were the four members of Ohio’s delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives, including Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo).

The joint statement urged that a chairman be selected by the party’s executive committee only after broad consultation with a wide range of Ohio Democrats, including party officials, elected officials, candidates, and rank and file Democrats.

“We need to invite ordinary Democrats who have ideas and suggestions to participate in a robust discussion about our Party's organizational structure and how to improve its reach and performance. This is particularly important as we transition into a presidential campaign mode in a crucial state,” the statement said.

First Published November 6, 2014, 9:58 p.m.