State Sen. Jeff Kessler has filed pre-candidacy papers to explore running for governor of West Virginia in 2012.

Gov. Joe Manchin’s term limit will be up in 2012.

Kessler, a Democrat, admited it is early to talk about running for the 2012 election. But he said West Virginia is a big state with many counties, and he can use all the time he can get.

Kessler is originally from West Virginia, attended high school at Bishop Donohue and got his undergraduate degree from West Liberty. He then went to law school at West Virginia University.

Kessler served as a local prosecutor and assistant prosecutor in both Hancock and Wetzel counties.

Kessler said he knows the state in and out and is ready to govern. He said he is aware of the economic climate everywhere, and wants to take a lead.

“Things can get better and they will get better -- and we’re facing some difficult times economically, quite frankly -- both in the state and nationally. But we’re going to get through it, we’re going to get better and we’re going to be a better people for it,” he said.

Kessler cannot file his actual candidacy papers until 2011, but he is excited to make his plan to run for governor known to the public.