Rochey Looks Like Candidate For Governor--Again

Former governor appears likely to seek his old office

YANCEYBURG, NWP--Former New Portsmouth Governor Dale Rochey (NAT), who previously served as governor from 2007-2008, looks poised to run for office for a third time.

Rochey first won election as governor in December 2007, narrowly defeating Conservative Jacqueline Bosseau 50.95% to 49.05%, respectively. Then, in a December 2008 re-match, Bosseau narrowly defeated Rochey 50.62% to 49.38%, respectively. Now, it appears Mr. Rochey may seek to re-capture his former position.

The Yanceyburg Commoner newspaper is reporting that Rochey has created a political action committee (PAC), reportedly to be called "A New Direction For New Portsmouth." Rochey's office has not commented on the Commoner's article. But a source within the New Portsmouth NAT told the paper that Rochey is a "sure candidate" in the 2010 gubernatorial race. The source spoke on condition of anonymity, however, as Rochey has not made an official announcement.

A recent poll by the Grantham Institute shows Bosseau leading Rochey slightly 53%-47%. However, that same poll, which had a margin of error of 4 points, shows Bosseau more vulnerable when matched against NAT Congresswoman Jean Larae Dowd. The poll shows Dowd would beat Bosseau 56%-44%, respectively. The same poll shows NAT Senator Clinton Ashby would also defeat Bosseau, 53%-47%. However, according to the poll, Bosseau would defeat New Portsmouth's other NAT Senator, Chris McConnitch, 55%-45%.

Ashby has not ruled out a run for governor, though he has done little fundraising, suggesting he will stay in the Senate. And Dowd, who represents New Portsmouth's eastern half, announced last month she will take on Conservative Senator Nadine Pietrasaelis in 2010, effectively ruling out the congresswoman as a potential gubernatorial candidate.

Still, Rochey is not guaranteed the Nationalist party's nomination for governor in 2010. He could face a primary challenge from Secretary of State Richard Crux, Attorney General Welma Sidley, or State Senate Majority Leader Ronald Burcheau.

Regardless of who wins the NAT nomination, it will not be easy for the NAT to take down Bosseau, who reportedly has $1.2 million in campaign reserves and is beginning a fundraising blitz this month. The new governor has modest popularity numbers, but has made few mistakes, making her more difficult to defeat in 2010.