Should Gov. M. Jodi Rell decide that she’s had enough of the governor’s mansion after this term, her number 2 is ready to give it a shot.
Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele said he'll be the Republican candidate for governor in 2010 if Rell does not run.
Fedele said Wednesday that he expects Rell to seek another term, but the Stamford resident is ready to step in if she doesn't.
In a tough economic time, Rell’s popularity has taken a dip, but she still has an impressive 65 percent, according to the latest Quinnipiac University poll that asked voters what they think of her.
Rell has declined to say whether she'll seek re-election. Congressional Quarterly recently ran a story stating that she is the front runner but has not raised as much money as other candidates and raised the question of whether she is serious about another run.
Other Republicans considering a gubernatorial bid are House Minority Leader Lawrence Cafero of Norwalk and Senate Minority Leader John McKinney of Fairfield.
On the Democratic side, former House Speaker James Amann of Milford and state Sen. Gary LeBeau of East Hartford have announced they are running for governor. Other Democrats, including Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz and Stamford Mayor Dannel Malloy, are also considering running.
