Michaud to Challenge Carcieri

Dan Yorke is reporting that Brown Professor Dennis Michaud has filed papers to challenge incumbent Governor Donald Carcieri in the Republican primary this fall. Yorke had previously reported that Michaud was thinking about such a run. Here's more info on Michaud, who is a paid consultant to Beacon Mutual and continues to support its privatization. Prior to his reported decision to run:

Michaud said Carcieri has been "very aggressive" in trying to forestall any primary challenge.

There have been "a lot of people attacking me, and I haven't even made a decision," he said, making his decision more difficult. Michaud said Carcieri prematurely "floated the story" that Michaud would run in order to disrupt his planning.

"It's sad," Michaud said. "At some point, you have to weigh the benefits to the personal costs. … You become so concerned for your family's well-being that it makes you think twice."

UPDATE: According to Yorke, the ProJo's Katherine Gregg will have a story on the Michaud announcement tomorrow and the formal announcement will be Monday. Yorke also states that he knows who the Republican operatives were who went to Michaud back in March/April, but is waiting to confirm before stating such on the air. However, he did hint that one of them was since-resigned Beacon Board member John Holmes.

As Yorke explained, Governor Carcieri and his staff better get ready to take off their gloves. His crusade against the good ol' boy network as manifested in Beacon Mutual has stirred up a political hornet's nest. Be prepared for some dirty pool. Remember, Democrat Lt. Governor Charlie Fogerty has no opponent in his primary, so be prepared for a rush of Democrat disaffiliations (as indicated by a "State Worker" who called into Yorke's show) and a "groundswell" of support for Prof. Michaud that--should he win the GOP primary--will mysteriously disappear come the General Election.