SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine (AP) – Former ski mogul Les Otten says he has formed an exploratory committee to consider a bid for governor as a Republican in 2010.

Otten plans to spend the next two to four months on the road, listening to Mainers’ concerns while gauging support and raising money.

He told supporters Monday in South Portland that “times change but Maine hasn’t changed with them.” He says he wants to lead “Maine’s comeback.” Serving as chairman of his exploratory committee is William Ryan, chairman of TD Banknorth Group.

Otten built Sunday River from a small ski area to the headquarters for American Skiing Co. Later, he went on to own a share of the Boston Red Sox. His latest venture is a company in Bethel that sells wood-burning furnaces.