INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The next election for the mayor of Indianapolis is two years away. But, the race is already under way.

Former deputy mayor Melina Kennedy filed the paperwork Friday to establish an exploratory campaign for mayor.

"We got a little time, want to focus on the 2010 races that are really important in this city and so this allows me to move forward with the next steps but just continue to explore at this early stage," Kennedy said.

It's early but she's not the first. Businessman Brian Williams already has a campaign organization in place.

"I think folks are hungry for effective leadership in Indianapolis," said Williams. "And this provides the citizens a tremendous opportunity to ascertain who the best candidate is to lead Indianapolis.

Former state Democratic chairman Joe Hogsett is also interested in that 25th floor office. Former Congressional candidate Woody Myers and City-County Councillor Jose Evans are also Democrats looking at the campaign.

Then there's Kip Tew, another former state Democratic chairman who toyed with a run for mayor in 1999.

"So this time I'm looking at it very seriously," said Tew. "There are things I'd like to accomplish as the mayor of Indianapolis."

That makes six Democrats in pursuit of Republican Mayor Greg Ballard , an indication that he may be vulnerable.