Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, atop many political handicappers' list of potential running mates for Barack Obama, told NPR's "All Things Considered" today that he would "absolutely not" run alongside Obama in the general election.

As ABC News reports, Strickland told NPR: "Absolutely not. If drafted I will not run, nominated I will not accept and if elected I will not serve. So, I don't know how more crystal clear I can be."

Strickland backed Hillary Clinton in the March 4 Democratic primary in Ohio, campaigning with her around the state and helping her take a 10-point victory there.

Strickland was first elected governor in 2006, winning 61 percent of the vote and becoming the first Democratic governor in the state since 1986. Strickland previously served in the House of Representatives, serving six terms in the 6th District until being elected governor.