Today, State Senator Kevin Raye was asked by the Associated Press if he would be running for governor in 2010.  There has been much speculation surrounding the Senate Republican leader – even if the buzz has been quiet – but today he put the final nail in the coffin for any potential Blaine House run in 2010.

Raye is only 48 years old, so this by no means spells an end to any future aspirations he has for being elected Governor.  If the GOP goes down in 2010, he would be one of the early front runners for the seat in 2014, and if a Republican wins, he could certainly give it a try in 2018, when he will still only be 56 years old.

Also, don’t rule out a run for another high office in the future, if the time ever looks right.  Raye is an ambitious and talented man.

His statement:

“After giving it very serious thought, I have decided not to enter the race for Governor.

While I am grateful for the confidence and support so many people have expressed in encouraging me to run, I am not in a position financially to do so in 2010.  My wife Karen and I have invested our resources in purchasing and growing our small family business, which requires our time and energy.  I deeply value public service and do plan to seek re-election to the Maine Senate, and work to secure a Republican Senate majority.”

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