By Carl Weiser
Enquirer Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON - Sen. Mike DeWine announced Friday that he will seek re-election in 2006.
The unusually early declaration - just 10 days after one election day and a full four years before what he hopes will be his re-election - was prompted by rumors that the Cedarville Republican would run for governor. Gov. Bob Taft is barred from running again.
"I have supporters and friends in Ohio who are interested in whether we were running for governor or Senate," Mr. DeWine said Friday. "I felt that I needed to let them know."
"If I was going to run for governor, I would have to start now. I would have to start going around the state, raising money, doing all the things you need to do to run for governor."
Among the Republicans who may spend the next four years doing just that are Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell, a former Cincinnati mayor; Attorney General-elect Jim Petro; and Auditor-elect Betty Montgomery.
Democrats say they'll be able to mount a good challenge to Mr. DeWine in 2006.
Email cweiser@gns.gannett.com
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