The 55-year-old Republican tells The Columbus Dispatch he'll make a final decision early in 2009. But he says he's spreading the word now that his private sector success wouldn't deter him from returning to politics.

The Fox News Channel commentator says he wants to help a state that he says is in an economic "death spiral."

Kasich left the U.S. House in 2001 after nine terms and has since made a lucrative living, at Fox and as managing director of a Columbus investment office and a professional speaker.

Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland hasn't said formally whether he'll run for re-election in 2010.