COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) _ Governor Ted Strickland, whose popularity has declined with the economy, will soon pick his running mate and begin his 2010 re-election campaign in earnest.

While political observers say the importance of the lieutenant governor nominee shouldn't be overstated, voter unease is complicating an election that once looked solid for the Democratic governor.

A recent poll showed Strickland in a virtual tie with Republican challenger John Kasich.

The names of potential Strickland picks is said to include Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams, State Representative Matt Szollosi and State Representative Jay Goyal of Mansfield.

There are some who think Strickland's choice of a running mate matters only to political junkies.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)