Don't count out Mike DeWine for gov. run

MINNEAPOLIS - Republicans said U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine (R-Springfield) is considering running for governor in two years, though DeWine himself didn't telegraph any possible intentions during an interview.

Former attorney general Jim Petro said DeWine, former U.S. Reps. John Kasich (R-Columbus) and Rob Portman (R-Cincinnati) are among those exploring a gubernatorial run.

Ohio Republican Party chair Kevin DeWine, who is related to the former senator said DeWine, 61, has a future ahead of him and is thinking about a run.

"Mike DeWine has served the state ability for decades and he still remains very popular in large pockets around the state. Personally I don't feel like his time as a public servant is complete yet. I would expect that he is contemplating his reentry into public service, but you'd have to ask him about that," he said.

PolitickerOH.com did just that Sunday night when DeWine joined the river paddleboat cruise sponsored by U.S. Sen. George Voinovich (R-Cleveland). DeWine was asked what his future plans in public life are.

"I don't know. I'm solely focused on doing whatever I can in a small way to help John McCain carry Ohio," DeWine said. "After the election, we'll worry about that."

DeWine declined to comment about Gov. Ted Strickland's vulnerability to a Republican challenger in 2010.

"I'm not going to go there, I don't know yet, I don't think anyone knows yet," DeWine said.