Ohio: Lehman Brothers

"I've been traveling around the state of Ohio because, as many of you know, I've been thinking about running for governor of the state of Ohio," Kasich told about 150 here last week at a Lincoln Day dinner jointly sponsored by the Republican parties in Seneca and Sandusky counties.

The former congressman from Westerville has been the hottest speaker on the GOP rubber-chicken circuit for two years and has about a dozen county Lincoln Day speeches lined up in February and March.

But political observers from both parties are beginning to wonder just when -- and if -- Kasich actually will declare his candidacy, contending that he can't wait too long if he hopes to seriously challenge the popular incumbent, Democrat Ted Strickland, who already has a $2 million head start.

Where the money comes from

Here is how Gov. Ted Strickland's budget will get the state out of a $7.3 billion hole in the general revenue fund:

$3.4 billion in federal stimulus money.

$3.1 billion in state agency cuts, including cuts in this year's budget.

$2.2 billion in rainy day funds and other untapped accounts.

$155 million in unexpected Medicaid reimbursements.

$130 million in wage and benefit cuts.

That raises about $9 billion, but it is offset by losses of nearly $1.6 billion due to restructuring Medicaid funds and meeting obligations to local governments under the tax reform plan lawmakers approved in 2005.