Democrats are already looking ahead to the 2010 Gubernatorial race. With Ed Rendell's two terms ending (assuming he doesn't join a Democratic Administration in Washington) two primary names are on the horizon for Democrats: Jack Wagner and Dan Onorato. Wagner is state Auditor General and is widely assumed to be running. Onorato is the Allegheny County Executive and is considered a political star for Dems. Don Cunningham of Lehigh County and Bob Mellow, the State Senate Minority Leader are also running.
Rendell's money people are meeting with Onorato at Citizen Bank Park and if they coalesce behind him he'll be tough to beat. These folks raised $30 million for Rendell and would provide Onorato substantial backing in Philadelphia in addition to Pittsburgh. Only Wagner would then provide a credible threat IMHO. I think either of these men would be great governors. I really don't know much about Cunningham but every time I hear Mellow's name I remember the pay raise and pension grab scandals.