COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Republican Mary Taylor, lieutenant governor to presidential contender John Kasich (KAY’-sik), has formed a nonprofit committee that could support a run for Kasich’s job in 2018.

The Columbus Dispatch reports (http://bit.ly/1LlPFG0) that Taylor incorporated Onward Ohio with the secretary of state’s office last week. The committee also sought 527 tax-exempt status with the IRS, which allows it to raise money for general political activities.

A committee spokeswoman says the group is designed to ensure “the common-sense initiatives of the Kasich-Taylor administration continue.”

Taylor has appeared more often in Kasich’s stead since he launched his presidential campaign in July.

She’s one of three high-profile Republicans considering gubernatorial runs. The others are Attorney General Mike DeWine, a former U.S. senator; and Secretary of State Jon Husted (HYOO’-sted), a former Ohio House speaker.