Get ready for the 2018 gov’s race

Ready or not, the chatter is under way about Ohio’s next governor’s race.

The same week Gov. John Kasich rolled out his proposed (and final) two-year state budget for lawmakers to chew on, the headlines also featured glimpses into who may seek his job in 2018.

According to campaign finance reports last week, Secretary of State Jon Husted, from Kettering, and Attorney General Mike DeWine, from Greene County, each have $2.5 million. Our statehouse reporter, Laura A. Bischoff, said Onward Ohio, a non-profit backing Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor, has $926,799. All three are Republicans.

“On the Democratic side,” she wrote, “potential candidates include: former state lawmaker Connie Pillich, former U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton of Akron, Ohio Senate Minority Leader Joe Schiavoni of Boardman, Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune, former Youngstown mayor Jay Williams, former U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinch, U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Youngstown and former Ohio attorney general Richard Cordray.” And Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley said she’s considering a run.

Thoughts? Email me at rrollins@coxohio.com.

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