Former broadcast journalist Jerry Echemann wants to go to Columbus.

Echemann, 51, of Martins Ferry has filed as a Democrat to seek the 95th Ohio House seat currently held by a former colleague, Ohio Rep. John Domenick, D-Smithfield.

Domenick, who is serving his eighth year in the Ohio House, is term-limited and can't seek re-election in 2010. He is endorsing Echemann in the race.

The two worked together at WTRF-TV in Wheeling. Domenick left WTRF after being elected to the Ohio House, and Echemann departed the station in October.

Echemann believes the skills he honed during his 29 years as a reporter will help him in politics,

"I spent a lot of time talking to people, asking people all the time what their feelings are about the issues," he said. "You get a feel for your constituents after a while - how they think, how they might want you to vote and the difficulties they have. It's helpful. You deal with a lot of issues because you're covering them all the time. Now, instead of covering the issues, I would be trying to solve them for people."

Echemann senses there is dissatisfaction among the electorate.

"It's been brought on by economy," he said. "What we need is for the national economy to turn around, and for the employers to get confidence again. Jobs are the issue for the area. That's what everybody is saying, and it's the truth. People need employment - hopefully good employment that can pay the bills."

There also are a lot of challenges at the state level in Ohio, as well, Echemann said.

He alluded to the state's budget and how Ohio officials have managed to keep the state afloat with "one-time fixes." They have temporarily infused the budget with stimulus dollars and casino licensing fees, he pointed out.

"I can't imagine we will have this money all the time," Echemann said.

Echemann will join a Democratic race for the 95th District seat that already includes Jefferson County Justice Center Employee Edward "Bucky" Argentine; Lou Gentile, a former aide to Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland; and Steubenville attorney Casimir Adulewicz.

Entrepreneur and business consultant Dan Jenkins of Steubenville has announced he will run on the Republican ticket.