OHIO GOVERNMENT Rep. expresses interest in running for auditor

Two Democrats also have their eye on running for the post in 2006.
By JEFF ORTEGA
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
COLUMBUS -- State Rep. Mary Taylor, a Summit County Republican, says she's fairly certain she'll formally announce either later this month or in early June her candidacy for state Auditor.
"From everything I know right now, I'm in," Taylor said Monday.
Taylor, who has been testing the waters for a potential statewide bid next year, said she's been crisscrossing the state in recent weeks lining up support among key Ohio Republicans.
"We have been in every region of the state," said Taylor, whose House district includes portions of Summit and Portage counties. After today, Taylor said she will have been in 45 of the state's 88 counties.
No other Republican has yet announced exploratory efforts to succeed GOP state Auditor Betty D. Montgomery who has indicated she's seeking the Republican nomination for governor next year.
However, Taylor said she's preparing as through there could be a primary election next year.
"I'm anticipating and expecting a primary, and I'm working as though there will be primary," Taylor said.
If she formally announces her statewide candidacy, Taylor said she'll stress her background as a certified public accountant.
Before being elected a state representative in 2002, Taylor was a director in the firm Bober, Markey, Fedorovich & amp; Co., an Akron-based regional accounting and consulting firm.
Jason Mauk, political director of the Ohio Republican Party, said Taylor has a promising future in the GOP.
"She has done an admirable job in getting around the state and forwarding her candidacy," Mauk said of Taylor.
Interested Dems
Dennis L. White, the Ohio Democratic Party chairman, said among the Democrats who've expressed an interest in running for state Auditor next year are Ohio House Minority Leader Chris Redfern, D-Catawba Island, and Cincinnati Mayor Charlie Luken.
The state auditor's office is responsible for auditing state government departments, counties, townships, cities, villages and school districts.
Candidates for statewide office in 2006 won't have to file nominating petitions until early that year, according to the secretary of state's office.