Governors Races Drawing Big Names on All Sides

Maybe it's the chance to work from home. Maybe it's the masochistic thrill of trying to balance a state budget during an economic catastrophe. Whatever the attraction, the thirty-six 2010 governors races are drawing big names from business and government, including several members of Congress who would rather be bigger fish in their respective ponds than hang around waiting for the phone to ring from the White House.

For the Republicans on the list, a job outside of the beltway makes sense. The scouts for the GOP consistently look to the governors' mansions for rising stars and "grassroots" solutions. Plus, toiling in a potentially filibuster-proof Washington minority ain't no great shakes.

Far fewer Democrats are bolting the Capitol for greener pastures back home, but with more Democrats than Republicans up for reelection, the GOPers enjoy the freedom to go for the brass rings, while the Dems are figuring out that being in the majority often translates to taking one for the team.

Add to those politicians a fashion mogul, a Top Gun and the woman who helped put every yard sale in America on your lap top, and you've got a sizzling set of famous faces.

Here's a round-up of the bold-faced names of challengers you'll see in the next 18 months, with more certain to come:

*Alabama- Rep. Artur Davis (D) is leaving the House after four terms, in hopes of serving two terms in Tide country.

*California- It's no surprise Cali would attract the most celebrities wanting the run the joint. eBay founder Meg Whitman is a Republican favorite; San Francisco mayor, Gavin Newsom, announced last week he's in the race for Sacramento; and Guess founder George Marciano has filed his paperwork to run as an independent.*

*Georgia- Rep. Nathan Deal (R) is leaving the House in a bid for better digs in Atlanta.

*Hawaii- Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D) says he'll head home in 2010, hopefully as the new boss of the Aloha state.

*Kansas- Current Sen. Sam Brownback (R) leaves a safe Senate seat in a bid to take the mansion that HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius vacated last week.

*Michigan- Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R) is running for what might be the toughest job in America.

*Ohio- Former Rep. John Kasich (R) tossed his hat in the match last, leaving a career as a Fox News talker.

*Rhode Island- former Sen. Lincoln Chafee announced he'll be running as an independent to fill his father's old seat in the mansion.

South Carolina- Rep. Gresham Barrett (R) will run to replace term-limited Gov. Mark Sanford.

*Tennessee- Like Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson before him, Rep. Zach Wamp (R) has a dream that ends in with his name in lights over Nashville.

*Texas- Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R) has formed an exploratory committee to run against the sitting Governor, Rick Perry (R). The Capitolist would pay for tickets to watch that fight.

Anyone else?

Val Kilmer says he's still mulling a Democratic campaign for New Mexico's top spot, and L.A. Mayor Antonio Villarigosa hasn't said yet what he'll d o in 2010.

Who's not running? Country singer Toby Keith slapped down rumors that he might run for Oklahoma governor by explaining, "Being a politician would mean (having) to get along with too many people.'' Indeed.

Any others? Send them to the Capitolist and we'll update...

*Thanks to Capitolist, Mike S., for the note on Georges Marciano.