CHARITON — A bid for Iowa’s top job could be in the works for state Sen. Paul McKinley.

McKinley, R-Chariton, said Tuesday he is “actively exploring” a run for Iowa governor, becoming the fourth Republican to make such an announcement. He called for Iowans to help him “get this government under control.”

First elected to the Iowa Senate in 2000, Republicans elevated McKinley, 61, to Senate minority leader before this year’s session. He became one of the leading critics of Iowa’s spending, which he says threatens to heap debt on future generations.

McKinley did not abandon that criticism Tuesday, but he said it is only one component of his message.

“I’m going to offer a positive vision,” he said. “Fiscal responsibility is absolutely critical to that.”

McKinley pointed to his business background as part of his pitch to Iowans. He purchased Neely Manufacturing in 1981, during an economic downturn. The company tripled its size over the next decade.

Lessons from that process are important for Iowa’s financial future, McKinley said.

“Just as I did in business, we have to do a top-to-bottom review,” he said. That includes reducing Iowa spending and removing what he sees as obstacles to improving the state’s business climate.

McKinley’s interest in running for governor was not a surprise to political observers. He established www.mckinleyforiowa.com recently. The Web site touts McKinley as the Senate Republican leader rather than a gubernatorial candidate, but bears a close resemblance to many campaign Web sites. He also changed his Twitter name to McKinleyforIowa in recent days.

Tuesday’s announcement stopped short of making McKinley’s candidacy for governor official and is similar to steps taken by three other prospective Republican candidates. McKinley said he plans to make a final decision on whether to run early this fall.

Fellow legislator Christopher Rants, R-Sioux City, former Lt. Governor candidate Bob Vander Plaats and Cedar Rapids businessman Christian Fong have also said they are considering bids for the Republican nomination. Gov. Chet Culver, a Democrat, is expected to seek re-election.

McKinley currently serves the Senate District 36, which is comprised of Lucas, Marion and Monroe counties as well as the western half of Mahaska County and one township in Jasper County.

Matt Milner can be reached at (641) 683-5359 or via e-mail at mwmilner@mchsi.com