The Associated Press is reporting that Republican state Sen. Kevin Coughlin says he's running for governor in Ohio.

It will be interesting to see who else files for the office. Former Republican U.S. Rep. John Kasich is also exploring a run for governor.

Coughlin announced Tuesday in a video posted on his campaign Web site that he'll be a candidate in 2010. His candidacy papers were filed Monday at the Secretary of State's office.

Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland hasn't officially declared for a second term but has been raising money at "re-election kickoff" receptions around the state.

The 37-year-old Coughlin said that Ohio is adrift and needs a tax and regulatory environment that will be more welcoming to job creation.

Coughlin has represented Summit County in the Senate since 2001. He was a member of the state's House of Representatives from 1997-2001.

-- John Arthur Hutchison