MONVAILLE, Lial -- He's been trekking across Lial for the past two weeks -- appearing on cable news programs; forums with business leaders; meeting with teachers; speaking with doctors, nurses and emergency response workers; even dropping the puck at a Monvaille Paladins hockey game. And yet, Lial's lone Conservative senator, John BiGadi, insists he's not running for governor. Yet, that is.
In an interview with local Clothen 9 News, BiGadi told news anchor Karen Williams he is "considering all options," but is not running for governor at this time.
"I'm not currently a candidate for governor," BiGadi said. "That being said, I am considering all options. I enjoy being a senator representing this great state. But I am also troubled by what I've been hearing around the state when I travel, or when people contact my office. There is a real discontent in the electorate right now with the way things are being handled at the state level, and that is concerning to me."
Asked what he thinks about current Gov. Todd Pergich (N), BiGadi said he believes Pergich is "well-intentioned," but not producing results.
"I think Todd Pergich is trying. I think he's trying very hard. I think he is well-intentioned. I think he means well. But unfortunately, governing is not just about what you intent to do or trying hard. It's about producing results. And right now, I don't think we're seeing any good results coming out of Clothen. And it's not just Todd Pergich's fault, it's the legislature's fault as well, and the unions' fault. There is plenty of blame to go around. But what I'm hearing all across Lial every day from constituents, is that we need results. We need a change. Things are not going well in Clothen. We are still struggling with an anemic economy in Lial, we are still struggling with education, we need to invest in our transportation system and infrastructure, our taxes are too high, small businesses are closing up shop, our health care system is in trouble...there are just so many issues going on right now facing our state that are not effectively being addressed by the current administration, and that does trouble me," said BiGadi.
The former businessman and state senator said he is still thinking about challenging Pergich for the state's top job, but has no timetable for a decision.
"I'm going to meet with some people over the coming weeks, talk with my family, my supporters, business leaders in this state, and gauge the barometer a bit to see where people are and if this is the route we should go. If it's not, there are no hard feelings because I am very happy where I am right now in the Senate. It's not all fun and games in the Senate either right now, since we are in the minority. But when I hear things are not going well back home in Lial, it really frustrates me and concerns me and really instills in me a passion to help and make things better. So we'll see."
BiGadi, who hails from Monvaille, did not address far-right Conservative activist Libby Marshall, who has already announced his candidacy for governor in 2014.
Marshall, who lives near Sauvienne in southwestern Lial, previously ran unsuccessfully for Senate in 2008 against incumbent Sen. Susan Thompson (N). Back in September, he announced he would seek the CNS nomination for governor in 2014.
BiGadi's criticism of Pergich is in stark contrast to comments made by Pergich's predecessor, Gov. Gavin Gymbal (C), who praised Pergich for his centrist governing style.
Gymbal's high marks for Pergich annoyed many in Lial's CNS party leadership, who felt the comments might undermine Conservative candidates for governor who were seeking to unseat Pergich.
BiGadi was first elected to the Senate in 2002, and re-elected in 2008. He is up for re-election in 2016.
In an interview with local Clothen 9 News, BiGadi told news anchor Karen Williams he is "considering all options," but is not running for governor at this time.
"I'm not currently a candidate for governor," BiGadi said. "That being said, I am considering all options. I enjoy being a senator representing this great state. But I am also troubled by what I've been hearing around the state when I travel, or when people contact my office. There is a real discontent in the electorate right now with the way things are being handled at the state level, and that is concerning to me."
Asked what he thinks about current Gov. Todd Pergich (N), BiGadi said he believes Pergich is "well-intentioned," but not producing results.
"I think Todd Pergich is trying. I think he's trying very hard. I think he is well-intentioned. I think he means well. But unfortunately, governing is not just about what you intent to do or trying hard. It's about producing results. And right now, I don't think we're seeing any good results coming out of Clothen. And it's not just Todd Pergich's fault, it's the legislature's fault as well, and the unions' fault. There is plenty of blame to go around. But what I'm hearing all across Lial every day from constituents, is that we need results. We need a change. Things are not going well in Clothen. We are still struggling with an anemic economy in Lial, we are still struggling with education, we need to invest in our transportation system and infrastructure, our taxes are too high, small businesses are closing up shop, our health care system is in trouble...there are just so many issues going on right now facing our state that are not effectively being addressed by the current administration, and that does trouble me," said BiGadi.
The former businessman and state senator said he is still thinking about challenging Pergich for the state's top job, but has no timetable for a decision.
"I'm going to meet with some people over the coming weeks, talk with my family, my supporters, business leaders in this state, and gauge the barometer a bit to see where people are and if this is the route we should go. If it's not, there are no hard feelings because I am very happy where I am right now in the Senate. It's not all fun and games in the Senate either right now, since we are in the minority. But when I hear things are not going well back home in Lial, it really frustrates me and concerns me and really instills in me a passion to help and make things better. So we'll see."
BiGadi, who hails from Monvaille, did not address far-right Conservative activist Libby Marshall, who has already announced his candidacy for governor in 2014.
Marshall, who lives near Sauvienne in southwestern Lial, previously ran unsuccessfully for Senate in 2008 against incumbent Sen. Susan Thompson (N). Back in September, he announced he would seek the CNS nomination for governor in 2014.
BiGadi's criticism of Pergich is in stark contrast to comments made by Pergich's predecessor, Gov. Gavin Gymbal (C), who praised Pergich for his centrist governing style.
Gymbal's high marks for Pergich annoyed many in Lial's CNS party leadership, who felt the comments might undermine Conservative candidates for governor who were seeking to unseat Pergich.
BiGadi was first elected to the Senate in 2002, and re-elected in 2008. He is up for re-election in 2016.
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