[img_assist|nid=502|title=City councilman Kevin Boyce|desc=Columbus City Council|link=none|align=right|width=146|height=186]Franklin County Democratic Party Chair Bill Anthony is throwing his support behind Columbus City Councilman Kevin Boyce to become Ohio's next treasurer.

In an interview with PolitickerOH.com, Anthony said he spoke to Boyce today and that Boyce said he's interested in an appointment to become treasurer, which would become available if state Treasurer Richard Cordray (D-Grove City) is elected as attorney general. Anthony said that Boyce has spoke to Gov. Ted Strickland about an appointment.

"Kevin has what it takes to move on up," Anthony said. "I think Kevin would be a great choice."

Anthony said Boyce is qualified from his background in financial matters that comes from chairing the city council's finance and zoning committees.

Anthony said he plans to talk to Gov. Ted Strickland and Ohio Democratic Party Chair Chris Redfern about Boyce for treasurer. Meanwhile, Anthony said he's talked about Boyce with friends across the state, including labor unions and county party chairs.

While Boyce has Anthony's personal support, it is not an official endorsement by the Franklin County Democratic Party. Anthony said the party will convene its executive committee and interview potential candidates at a later date.

City Councilwoman Priscilla Tyson has also been rumored as a possible appointee for treasurer, but Anthony said he has only heard her name mentioned as a candidate from one of Tyson's city council staffers.

Tyson told PolitickerOH.com yesterday that she was glad to be mentioned but not interested.

"I'm happy that people are sharing my name, that's great, but right now I'm really pleased to serve on Columbus City Council," Tyson said. "It's nice that people believe that I have the qualifications for a different political position, but that's not something I'm actively seeking."

Anthony said he had not heard from Tyson at the time he spoke with PolitickerOH.com.

Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory told the Associated Press that he is not seeking an appointment for treasurer after he was mentioned as a possible candidate.

Almost as soon as Democrats nominated Richard to run for attorney general, party regulars have been speculating about who is on the short-list to replace Cordray at the treasury should he win this November. Currently, Cordray has no Republican challenger for the attorney general position and only faces independent Robert Owens on the ballot.