Arizona Dem Carmona considering gubernatorial run in 2014

Richard Carmona is considering a run for Arizona governor in 2014, according to his spokesman, Andrew Barr.

Barr confirmed to The Hill that the former Democratic Senate candidate is mulling a potential bid two years from now, and that he had been exploring his options in pursuing the office.

"He's been contacted by local Democrats who believe it would be beneficial for the party for him to run," Barr said.

Barr wouldn't elaborate on who exactly had contacted Carmona, but added that thus far he hadn't been in touch with national Democrats about a potential run. He added that Arizona Democrats believe that Carmona at the top of the ticket could boost other statewide Democratic candidates in 2014, when Arizona will see a state attorney general, secretary of state and state treasurer race, as well as the gubernatorial race, play out.

Carmona posted a surprisingly strong showing for a Democrat running in a red state against then-Rep. Jeff Flake (R), who ultimately toppled him. But Flake only won by 3 percentage points, while the Republican presidential nominee won the state by 9 percentage points, indicating Carmona had high bipartisan appeal.

He's still months away from a decision, but Barr said Carmona's staff is working to remain prepared in case the Democrat does decide to launch a bid.

"His staff is doing everything we can to keep the infrastructure ready in case he chooses to run," he said.

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