Friday, January 27, 2006

Or at least keeps that option open. Here's a just-released statement from Reilly's campaign on rumors that the AG and would-be governor will tap Chris Gabrieli as his runnning mate:

"There are several talented Democrats considering a campaign for Lieutenant Governor, including those who have already announced their intention to run. As I've said before, I want a strong partner in the Corner Office. Picking a running mate is one way, but not the only way, to achieve that. I'll make an announcement in the coming days after I've made a final decision."

If a Reilly-Gabrieli ticket hasn't been announced in a few weeks, we'll know this was just a big-ass trial balloon.

I happen to think teaming with Gabrieli would be a bad move for the AG. I like Gabrieli a lot--he's a smart, principled, personable guy who just happens to be a multi-millionaire. And yes, he'd give Reilly the financial wherewithal to combat whatever Kerry Healey and Christy Mihos might have in store. But aesthetically, Reilly-Gabrieli would be an underwhelming ticket: two middle-aged white guys, neither of whom has overwhelming charisma. Furthermore, attentive voters might see Gabrieli as damaged political goods, since he's already lost a congressional campaign and failed in his bid, in 2002, to become Shannon O'Brien's lieutenant governor.

That's my two cents, anyway.