DES MOINES - Senate Minority Leader Paul McKinley announced today he will "aggressively explore" a possible run for governor.

The Chariton Republican was elected to the Iowa Senate nine years ago and calls himself a problem solver who can reform state government.

McKinley has been one of the most vocal critics of spending practices of Democratic Gov. Chet Culver and said decisions in recent years have set the state up for a structural deficit.

"I think the state officials are in denial. Spending is out of control," McKinley said in an interview.

McKinley, 61, describes himself as a conservative on both fiscal and social issues and is highlighting his experience as a businessman.

He bought a small garment bag manufacturing firm in 1981 and said he tripled the size of the business over the next 10 years.

"I can use the same principles that I have learned to use in reforming a struggling business in government," McKinley said.

McKinley said he will make a final decision in the fall on whether he'll run governor.

A large field of Republicans is considering jumping into the race, including Bob Vander Plaats and Rep. Christopher Rants of Sioux City, State Sen. Jerry Behn of Boone, U.S. Rep Steve King of Kiron, former state Sen. Jeff Lamberti of Ankeny, Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey of Spirit Lake and state Rep. Rod Roberts of Carroll.

Christian Fong of Cedar Rapids has announced his intention to seek the Republican nomination.