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Supporters of Bernie Sanders' failed presidential campaign have launched a group seeking to run ex-lawmaker Nina Turner for Ohio governor in 2018.

(Chuck Crow, The Plain Dealer)

COLUMBUS, Ohio--Bernie Sanders' supporters inside and outside Ohio have been working to draft Democratic ex-lawmaker Nina Turner to run for governor, according to a leader of the effort.

The effort, called "Turn Ohio Around," is being run by leaders of Sanders' presidential campaign in Ohio, as well as former members of Sanders' national digital team, according to Jason Edwards, who led Sanders' Ohio delegation to this year's Democratic National Convention.

Turner, a 49-year-old former Democratic state senator from Cleveland, was one of the most prominent supporters of Sanders' presidential campaign earlier this year.

Edwards said activists have talked with Turner about a potential run. "She's very excited and flattered to see what we're going to come up with," he said.

Turner didn't return a phone call Saturday seeking comment.

The next step, Edwards said, is to launch a website and start raising money for a potential gubernatorial campaign.

Asked why they're pushing Turner to run for governor, Edwards said, "We feel like Nina has the best chance to contrast the Republican message here in Ohio."

Edwards continued: "Personally, I feel like Nina could be the next Barack Obama. Barack Obama invigorated a bunch of people to get involved in politics. We feel like Nina could do that as well."

However, Turner wouldn't be Sanders' supporters only pick for governor. Edwards said if Democratic Ohio Supreme Court Justice Bill O'Neill decides to run, Turn Ohio Around would also back him, even if Turner also enters the race.