Kathleen McGinty

Of course it is way too early to start openly campaigning for Governor, but no doubt Democratic wanna-bes are thinking about it.  The names you hear most seem to be Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham, Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato, Auditor General Jack Wagner, former head of DEP Kathleen McGinty and millionaire Philadelphia businessman Tom Knox.

The name missing from most short lists may be the biggest name of them all.  U.S. Senator Bob Casey may be the one to come in and unite the forces behind one front-runner.  It is no secret that Casey has a love for Pennsylvania and has long dreamed of filling the same shoes his father once did in Harrisburg. 

Casey was convinced by Democratic leaders to seek the U.S. Senate seat, but it was no secret that was not where his heart was.  While sources close to Casey say he has grown to like the office, his true ambitions seem to still be in Harrisburg.  Casey is in perfect position to seek the seat in 2010.  His senate seat does not come up until 2012 and would not need to step down from his current office to run for the governor’s office.

So while the chances of Casey admitting he would be interested in the seat this far from the election are none, don’t forget to include his name in your short list. 

Kathleen McGinty gave her notice last week to Governor Ed Rendell.  McGinty, who has been with the administration longer than most people have stayed with Rendell, has been a star for Rendell.  McGinty has proven to be a loyal soldier, articulate speaker and brilliant resource for the governor.  With her departure speculation began immediately that McGinty was laying the ground work for a run to be Rendell’s replacement.  After talking to a variety of prominent Democratic activists and fundraisers we have confirmed McGinty is indeed making her calls, but there is no mention of a run for Governor at this time. 

Kathleen McGinty, secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection, is resigning, Gov. Ed Rendell's office announced Friday.

The resignation takes effect July 18.

"Katie's tenure as DEP secretary has been marked by many achievements that will have a lasting benefit for this commonwealth," Rendell said in a statement. "From her first day in office, she brought a unique perspective to the way we view environmental challenges: that those challenges are economic opportunities in disguise."