Wornkin Mulls Gubernatorial Bid

Dayle-Locke mayor urged to run for NWP governor

DAYLE-LOCKE, NEW PORTSMOUTH--Two days after rumors surfaced that top leaders within the Nationalist Party are urging Dayle-Locke Mayor Charles Wornkin to run for governor in the 2010 election, the Mayor's office has confirmed he is considering a run.

Wornkin, who was elected mayor of New Portsmouth's largest city last year, is one of the state's most notable Nationalists, and has received praise from Nationalists and Conservatives alike for his work on the city's troubled budget.

However, should Wornkin decide to run, he will join a crowded field of NAT candidates vying to challenge first-term Conservative Governor Jacqueline Bosseau. The field includes former governor Dale Rochey, who narrowly defeated Bosseau in a special 2007 election and later narrowly lost to her in 2008. State Senator Michael Barrett and small business owner Kyle Reeser are also running.

Wornkin would have to play catch-up in the fundraising race, and lacks the name recognition Rochey has gained from two previous state-wide campaigns. However, Wornkin is well known in the Dayle-Locke area and could be a formidable opponent for Rochey, who appears to be the favored candidate in the primary race.

On Friday, Wornkin's office declined to comment, but did acknowledge the mayor is "considering" a bid.

"I can't comment on any specifics, but I can tell you that the mayor has met with national leaders in the party and is considering running," spokeswoman Mary Klammins told the Yanceyburg Commoner newspaper.

Rochey's campaign refused to comment on a possible Wornkin candidacy, but did tell the media Dale Rochey "is the only person in this state who can restore trust in the governor's mansion."

Bosseau's office did not return GNN's calls, but a campaign spokeswoman later emailed us and said, "the governor is prepared to take on any deep-pocketed candidate the Nationalists throw at her."

New Portsmouth's primary election will be held on September 7.