State Auditor Mary Taylor officially announced her candidacy for re-election today, setting the stage for a likely 2010 general election battle against Hamilton County Commissioner David Pepper, the likely Democratic nominee.

Taylor made her announcement at the Statehouse a week after informing the Ohio Republican Party central committee that she would not run for the U.S. Senate against former U.S. Rep. Rob Portman of Cincinnati in next May's GOP primary election.

"I want to continue the progress we've made helping to provide Ohio taxpayers with a more accountable and affordable government," Taylor said at a press conference.

Taylor said she "seriously considered" a Senate bid and denied receiving any pressure from the state GOP to run for re-election. Her decision, she said, was based on "where do I fit in to be of the best service" to Ohioans.

The auditor is one of five members of the State Apportionment Board, which will reconfigure Ohio's 99 House and 33 Senate districts for the next decade after the 2010 census. The party holding three seats on the board, including governor and secretary of state, traditionally draws districts favoring a majority of its candidates.

Taylor, the only statewide Republican executive officeholder, said he has been an effective watchdog since taking office in 2007 and has held public officials accountable "regardless of partisan politics."

She said her office has performed 8,600 financial audits of state and local government entities; uncovered $20 million in misspent, mismanaged or stolen tax dollars; and obtained 34 convictions for fraud, with 37 charges pending and 41 other investigations underway.

Taylor said she has never met Pepper, but expects a spirited campaign. He announced his candidacy at Ohio Democratic Party headquarters last week and was endorsed by Gov. Ted Strickland.

Due to the crucial role the auditor will play in realigning legislative districts, both parties are expected to spend millions to win the seat.