Gainer says decision coming ‘soon’ on congressional run

State Auditor Glen Gainer said Thursday he is nearing a decision on whether to run for Congress next year.

Gainer, in his 21st year as state auditor, said he has been pondering a run for the 1st Congressional District seat for the past seven months.

 “I’ve probably overanalyzed it to be quite honest,” Gainer said. “But we wanted to make sure we made the right decision. Our decision-making process is in the final leg and we will be making an announcement real soon.”

Gainer, a Wood County resident, said he has received hundreds of phone calls, emails and text messages from supporters in recent months.

“It’s really been overwhelming on some days. My voice mailbox filled up on my phone and I couldn’t keep it unfilled for a period of time,” he said.

Gainer previously said whatever he decides, it is clear changes are needed in Washington. If he opts in that could create a matchup with Republican incumbent Congressman David McKinley in November 2014.