COLUMBUS — Gov. Bob Taft will consider additional tax increases next year if the state needs to raise more money after schools, higher education and economic development initiatives are funded.

        “We need to know how much additional revenue we need once we establish and fund our priorities,” the Republican incumbent said Friday.

        Mr. Taft spoke at a campaign event promoting the role his candidate for lieutenant governor, Jennette Bradley, will play if elected. Mr. Taft wants Ms. Bradley to oversee his $400 million program for preserving green space and cleaning up abandoned industrial sites in Ohio.

        Mr. Taft wouldn't give details on any proposed tax increases, nor would he say what kind of deficit the state might face for the two-year budget beginning July 1. He predicted the budget process, which begins in February, will be difficult.

        “It would be extremely premature to project a deficit for a period of time that won't start until July 1 of next year,” Mr. Taft said. “A lot depends on what happens to the economy.”

        Tim Hagan, the Democratic candidate for governor, has proposed raising $500 million with business taxes.

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