Hubbard not running for governor, likely to run again for House seat

The chairman of the Alabama Republican Party, State Rep. Mike Hubbard of Auburn, said he has decided against running for governor in 2010 and has left his options open for lieutenant governor, but will likely run for reelection in his current House seat.
"I have pretty much decided now is not the time for me to run statewide," he said Friday. "I feel an obligation to folks I have talked to about Campaign 2010."
Hubbard has led the charge on Campaign 2010, a program that has raised millions aimed at taking control of the Legislature from Democrats in 2010.
Republican Gov. Bob Riley has said the Republicans will take control if they can raise $7 million.
Hubbard, who was first elected to the Legislature in 1998, said he considered a run for governor but "people do not understand what a financial sacrifice it is to be governor."
"I’m still keeping my options open. I am considering lieutenant governor, but I am leaning toward staying in the House and looking to take over the Legislature, the House and the Senate, in my role as minority leader and party chair," he said.
Hubbard said there are a number of factors, "not the least of which is family." He said his sons would be 15 and 10 at that time.
"There’s plenty of time. Timing is everything. Now may not be the time for me to run statewide," Hubbard said. " … I’m away a lot as it is. Running statewide is tough as it is, but trying to take over the Legislature for the first time since Reconstruction is not going to be an easy task."
State Sen. Hank Erwin, R-Montevallo, told the Montgomery Advertiser on Thursday that "we’re working in that direction" when asked about running for lieutenant governor. He would not be more specific, but he has an announcement about his future political plans on April 19 in Pelham.
Erwin, who is considered one of the more conservative members of the Alabama Senate, represents all or part of Shelby, Bibb, Jefferson and Chilton counties. He is in his second term in the Senate.
Lt. Gov. Jim Folsom Jr., a Democrat, has announced he will run for reelection.

-- posted by Sebastian Kitchen