COLUMBUS — Ohio House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger (R., Clarksville) is considering a run for state auditor next year, setting up a potential contest for the Republican nomination.

State Rep. Keith Faber (R., Celina), formerly Mr. Rosenberger’s counterpart in the state Senate, is already in the hunt and said he plans to stay put.

Mr. Rosenberger cannot seek another term in the House after 2018. He said Tuesday he is “seriously considering” such a move and will make an announcement soon.

“I’m having very sincere conversations with folks across the state ...,” he said. “It’s not a surprise that I’ve been very much considering going home and running for county commissioner. ... I enjoy working with local governments.

“Out of all the statewide offices, the position of auditor is probably the one that gets to work closest with township trustees, villages, cities, and school boards all across our state,” Mr. Rosenberger said.

Current Republican Auditor Dave Yost plans to run for attorney general next year. The sole Democrat to announce his candidacy for auditor to date is Zack Space, former congressman from southeast Ohio.

Mr. Faber ran for his old House seat last year after running up against term limits in the Senate. The former Senate president and Mr. Rosenberger butted heads occasionally over which bills to move and their respective chambers’ priorities.

“We’ve spent over a year developing a state network and team,” Mr. Faber said. “We have a great team and are moving forward.”

He said the speaker’s comments took him a little by surprise.

“I would have thought he’d call me ...,” Mr. Faber said. “We’ve been in the race almost a year. It’s almost late for someone to jump in now.”

Contact Jim Provance at jprovance@theblade.com or 614-221-0496.

First Published October 24, 2017, 5:00 p.m.