Something occurred to me when I read this:

But the administration on Thursday confirmed [Gary Sasse’s] resignation as both administration director and head of the state Department of Revenue. No reason was given, though it is believed he resigned — after several previous threats — because Carcieri’s proposed budget did not go as far as he believed necessary in seeking the reorganization of state government.

You know, with all the talk about who’s doing what in preparation for unannounced campaigns, I don’t think I’ve ever heard Sasse’s name come up as a potential candidate for anything. Why is that?
Meanwhile, Ian Donnis has ruled out Middletown Republican Mike Kehew and John Hazen White, Jr., as potential Moderate Party candidates for governor. Ian stresses that, depending on his or her flavor of “moderate,” the individual in the role could have a decisive effect on the results. It’s pretty clear that Sasse would torpedo the Republican candidate, and he might also undermine Chafee, which leaves the Democrat, whoever that might be.
Of course, this is all just more wild speculation, which means concrete assertions of conspiracies will be sure to follow…