Deb Markowitz has hired Paul Tencher, 29, a Rhode Island native, to run her gubernatorial campaign. Tencher begins Oct. 12.

He currently works as communications director for Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy, D-OH, but he said he's ready to leave the polarized world of DC. He's only worked for Kilroy since January.

He has experience on several campaigns, successful and unsuccessful. He worked for a Missouri Democratic congressional candidate who lost in 2008. Earlier he worked for the Rhode Island lieutenant governor, helping her win a primary and then an election. He served as her chief of staff for a year.

Tencher must like a challenge, because Markowitz is far from alone in her desire to run for governor. Other Democrats in the race or giving it serious consideration include Sen. Doug Racine, D-Chittenden; Sen. Susan Bartlett, D-Lamoille; perhaps Sen. Peter Shumlin, D-Windham, and maybe former Sen. Matt Dunne of Windsor, now with Google.

That's just the Democratic competition. We all await word whether Brian Dubie will choose to be the Republican candidate or if there will end up being a free-for-all primary fight there, too.

-- Nancy Remsen

Labels: Deb Markowitz, Doug Racine, Matt Dunne, Paul Tencher; Brian Dubie, Peter Shumlin, Susan Bartlett