On Monday, Andrew Villeneuve of the Northwest Progressive Institute had the news (or rumors) that Bill Bryant, Seattle Port Commissioner, was strongly considering a run for Governor - in fact, was "on the verge of officially declaring his candidacy." Bryant, a Republican, falls into the more moderate faction of the party (Villeneuve calls him a "biconceptual") and his political leanings likely won't jibe well with tea-partiers.

Today, the Seattle PI picked up on the story and reports that Bryant said "People from across the political spectrum have urged me to look at it, and I’m listening to them.” Bryant, if he chooses to run in 2012, will also have to decide whether to seek reelection to his post at the port. The PI reports Bryant saying "I’m focusing on my reelection but I am talking to people who are encouraging me (to run for governor)."

Villeneuve speculates that if Bryant does decide to run, he will have to fight an uphill battle to overcome Rob McKenna (who is strongly believed to be the GOP frontrunner in 2012). He points out that McKenna has already won two statewide races and Bryant has only taken on a countywide slot. Then again, Washington voters may have an appetite for Bryant's moderate politics that include pushes for things like environmental regulation and cleaning up Puget Sound.