Del. Mizeur Churns Rumor Mill For Governor Run

Takoma Park Del. Heather Mizeur (D-District 20) took a spin on her own rumor mill yesterday when she took time to remind this journalist that she's considering running for governor in 2014. 

With nearly 21 months until the election, what else is a maybe-contender for the state's highest seat supposed to do?

The exchange took place during an interview at an event at Busboys and Poets in Hyattsville yesterday in support of proposed legislation which would require Maryland employers to provide workers with paid sick leave. 

"If you care to, put in there 'rumored gubernatorial candidate,'" said Mizeur as the interview concluded, jokingly suggesting how she might like to be referenced in a report noting her advocacy for the mandatory sick-leave legislation.

That's the kind of skillful journalist baiting you can't teach in schools. Her remark begged for a follow-up, which was lame, but direct:

Is she actually thinking about running for governor?

"Yes," replied Mizeur.

Fair enough. This isn't the first time Mizeur, who's drawn attention as one of Annapolis' openly lesbian and gay lawmakers, has told the media that she's considering running. In November she gave an extensive interview with The Washington Blade, the DC area's newspaper of record for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, in which she said she was considering a run for governor.

Yesterday, Mizeur said that she plans on making a final decision on a run for governor after the current legislative session. 

"I spent 2012 focused on re-electing the president and winning all our ballot initiatives. I spent the last eight weeks taking a hard look at the race and will be making a final decision after the legislative session," said Mizeur. 

In the meantime, she said she remains focused on passing a range of progressive measures, like abolishing the death penalty and getting a tax rebate for small business owners.

Currently, as a "rumored" candidate, Mizeur joins the ranks o as Democratic candidates potentially eyeing the governor's seat, according to reports.

Who would you like to see run for Governor in 2014? Tell us in comments.