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Republicans Showing More Signs Of Organizing Lineups For Next Big Statewide Election

Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau

The election of 2015 hasn’t even happened yet, but there are already suggestions that Republicans are planning way ahead.

Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor has filed paperwork for a PAC called Onward Ohio, possibly to run for governor in 2018. Secretary of State Jon Husted is also said to be interested - and Attorney General Mike DeWine has said he’s thought about it too: “Well, certainly, but I think what we should be concentrating on doing right now is re-electing Rob Portman to the US Senate,” DeWine said.

Senate President Keith Faber of Celina says he’ll run for the House next year – if he wins a two year term he could still run for Attorney General in 2018. And Akron-area Senator Frank LaRose is expressing an interest in the Secretary of State’s office. The Ohio Republican Party is also looking past this year - it’s already endorsed two candidates in the 2016 Ohio Supreme Court contest. The Ohio Democratic Party has also endorsed in a key 2016 race, backing former Gov. Ted Strickland, who faces Cincinnati City Councilman PG Sittenfeld in the March primary.

Credit Andy Chow, Statehouse News Bureau

Credit Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau

Contact Karen at 614-578-6375 or at kkasler@statehousenews.org.