Periodically I’ll hear someone mention former House Budget Committee Chair John Kasich as a possible running mate for John McCain.

He’s a longshot, and his chances are probably less likely, as he’s indicating he has other plans…

Former U.S. Rep. John R. Kasich says he’s prepared to leave a lucrative private-sector career and run for the Republican nomination for governor in 2010.
Kasich, 55, said yesterday he will make a final decision early in 2009, but he is paving the way now for a gubernatorial bid.
“The important thing for people to know is that the success I’ve had in the private sector is not going to keep me from doing this,” said the former congressman from Westerville.
Since launching a short-lived presidential campaign in 2000 and then leaving the House in 2001 after 18 years, Kasich has made a handsome living as a television personality for the Fox News Channel, managing director for the Columbus office of Lehman Brothers, and speaker.
“In terms of people feeling that I’ve got a great life and might be unwilling to give it up, I’m beyond that now,” Kasich said. “I’m going to go forward even more aggressively, and we’re going to continue to ramp it up (for a gubernatorial run).”

Kasich would presumably face incumbent Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland. Also mentioned as possible GOP candidates are former U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine and former U.S. Rep. Rob Portman.