Democratic Rep. Rich Boucher is declining to speculate whether he will run for Governor in 2009, amdist what many Democrats have privately confided to be a weak field.
Boucher notes that the 2009 governor’s race marks the first time in nearly three decades that Democrats do not have an “heir apparent” for governor. In previous election cycles, Boucher noted, a Democratic lieutenant governor or attorney general has been angling for the job.
“There is a wide opportunity for those who have ambition in that direction.The truth of the matter is, I don’t have any ambition in that direction,” said Boucher, who noted Congress gives him a platform to address energy and telecommunications issues.
Boucher mentioned former congressman L.F. Payne as a possible candidate. Boucher also speculated that a Democrat “no one has heard of” could emerge as a candidate.
But even though he’s not making plans to run, Boucher said a good politician “never closes the door.”
What’s interesting is that the two presumptive frontrunners — State Senator Creigh Deeds and House Minority Leader Brian Moran — have been jockeying for months.
That “Left Field” Payne is even being discussed should send shudders down the “Virginia is turning blue” crowd.
It also belies another fact: Virginia Republicans have a deeper bench, and that spells trouble come 2011 when redistricting changes the layout of the General Assembly chessboard.