2010 and the race to replace Rendell

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.