Fundraising totals to foreshadow 2010 race

COLUMBUS (AP) — Campaign finance reports due out today will provide the first glimpse into a 2010 election that has already heated up more than a year ahead of the vote.

Gov. Ted Strickland, a Democrat, reports having $4 million in the bank for his presumed re-election bid. That is a notable early total, though not yet close to the $14.9 million Strickland raised to defeat Republican Ken Blackwell in 2006. Blackwell raised $11.8 million, and the pair spent nearly $16 million combined in one of the most expensive governor’s races in memory.

Strickland faces Republican John Kasich this time around. A finance report for the conservative commentator and former congressman is not yet available.

Other statewide races in 2010 include those for secretary of state and attorney general.