Springer says no to politics

Jerry Springer ditched plans yesterday to become a US senator, claiming it would be impossible to stand for office while hosting his notorious TV show.

Springer, 59, said pulling out of the race for the Ohio seat was the toughest decision of his life.

He added: 'As long as I'm still doing my show, my message, no matter how sincere and how heartfelt, does not get through to the people I need to reach.

There has to be separation between the show and my entrance into politics. That separation obviously has not taken place.'

Springer served as mayor of Cincinnati from 1978-81 before starting his talk show 13 years ago.