The filing deadline is Feb. 18.
John Kasich, the Republican candidate for governor, today is expected to name Taylor as his lieutenant governor running mate, first at 1:30 p.m. on Twitter and then at a 3 p.m. news conference.
Morgan, 31, in his first term, like Taylor is a certified public accountant. He said he would be “interested in carrying on the professional legacy” of Taylor.
If he gets in the race, Morgan would start at a big financial disadvantage. David Pepper, the Democratic candidate for auditor, had $268,389 in his campaign fund, according to the most recent report while Morgan had $11,197. Pepper is a Hamilton County commissioner.
Also, Democrats appear ready to pounce on Morgan’s short tenure in Columbus.
“He hasn’t been in Columbus long enough to know where the restrooms are,” said Chris Redfern, state Democratic chairman.
Morgan’s entry into the race would give the Dayton area three statewide candidates. Sen. Jon Husted, R-Kettering, is running for secretary of state and former U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine, from Cedarville, is running for attorney general.
Taylor’s apparent decision to forgo re-election and run with Kasich — a decision confirmed by a GOP insider close to Kasich — would impact the battle for control of the Apportionment Board, the five-member panel that will draw new legislative districts after the 2010 census.
The governor, auditor, secretary of state and a legislator from each party are on the board. The party that wins two of the three statewide offices controls legislative redistricting.
The Senate has passed a proposal to put a plan on the May 4 ballot to replace the board with a bipartisan panel but House Speaker Armond Budish, D-Beachwood, has signaled that it’s unlikely the legislature will reach final agreement by the Feb. 3 deadline for ballot proposals.
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