2007: Dr. Daniel Mongiardo to run?

Pol Watchers has excerpts from tomorrow's story from Ryan Alessi:

“With Ben out of the race, people are going to begin to start taking it seriously, talking to key supporters and talking to potential running mates,” said state Treasurer Jonathan Miller, who has been eyeing the race.

Miller confirmed he has had talks in recent days with Louisville businessman Charlie Owen — Chandler’s running mate in 2003 — but said “there’s never been any former offer” for him to be the lieutenant governor candidate on Owen’s ticket.

“There have been so many different alternatives discussed,” he said. Miller, 39, added that he would prefer to run for the top spot.[...]

Jack Conway, a Louisville attorney who ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2002, said he, too, is lining up support and searching for a running mate now that Chandler is out.[...]

State Sen. Daniel Mongiardo of Hazard said he has been burning up the phone lines even before he knew for certain that Chandler wouldn’t seek the nomination.

“I have been going about things as if he’s not going to run and making all the maneuvers,” said Mongiardo, who narrowly lost the U.S. Senate race in 2004 to GOP incumbent Jim Bunning.

“I’m proceeding as if I’m running,” Mongiardo added.