HARRISBURG -- The next Democratic primary for governor isn't until May 2010 but the jockeying for position is already underway.

Two politicians from eastern Pennsylvania, state Sen. Robert Mellow of Scranton and Lehigh County Chief Executive Don Cunningham, are letting it be known they are looking to run for the Democratic nomination.

Mr. Mellow has been in the Legislature a long time, first elected in 1970, when Democrat Milton Shapp became governor. He told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that no one understands the workings of state government better than he does. He is the leader of the 21-member Senate Democratic delegation.

"Running for governor is something I've wanted to do for a number of years,'' he said. Mr. Mellow is now 64, so a run in 2010 may be his last realistic chance.

Mr. Cunningham is 42 and served as part of Gov. Ed Rendell's cabinet from 2003 to 2005, secretary of the Department of General Services. Then he resigned to run for and win the top post in Lehigh County.

Frank Kane, a Cunningham spokesman, said his priority is winning re-election in 2009 but "in the long term, party leaders have talked to him about running for governor.''

Those two Democrats from the eastern side of the state will likely have a tough run against two popular Western Pennsylvania Democrats who are also eyeing the 2010 race -- Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato and state Auditor General Jack Wagner, who is a former state senator. Mr. Onorato said he's focusing on winning re-election this November and Mr. Wagner said he's focusing on his re-election race next year.

Several prominent Republicans are also being mentioned for the 2010 race, such as Attorney General Tom Corbett of Shaler; former U.S. Rep Pat Toomey of Allentown; Patrick Meehan, the U.S. attorney for eastern Pennsylvania; and former Lt. Gov. Bill Scranton.

First Published: August 7, 2007, 5:00 p.m.