Add the name of former Congressman Chris Shays to the list of 13 potential candidates for governor we mentioned yesterday.

If Shays jumps into the race, he could be seen as an immediate front-runner for the Republican nomination, could make it a two-man race with former Ambassador Tom Foley, and push Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele to the sidelines.

The moderate Shays could also be Republicans' best opportunity to continue in the mold of the middle-of-the road M. Jodi Rell and hold on to the seat despite Democrats' decided advantage in party enrollment in Connecticut.

Who, besides Susan Bysiewicz and Jodi Rell, isn't running for governor?

That might be the question to ask after the flurry of news over the past few days about more candidates jumping into the race.

On the Democratic side, potential candidates now include:

- Ned Lamont, the millionaire failed 2006 U.S. Senate candidate.

- Dan Malloy, former mayor of Stamford and failed 2006 Democratic primary candidate.

- Mary Glassman, first selectman of Simsbury and failed 2006 lieutenant governor candidate.

- Michael Jarjura, mayor of Waterbury.

- Jim Amann, former Connecticut speaker of the House.

- Gary LeBeau, state senator from East Hartford.

- Rudy Marconi, first selectman of Ridgefield.

- Juan Figuerora, health care activist.

And on the Republican side:

- Tom Foley, millionaire former ambassador to Ireland who was a candidate for U.S. Senate before switching to the governor's race after Rell dropped out.

- Michael Fedele, our sitting lieutenant governor.

- Lawrence DeNardis, former U.S. Congressman from Hamden.

- Nelson "Oz" Griebel, a Simsbury businessman.

- Mark Boughton, mayor of Danbury.

Also mentioned as potential candidates on the Republican side are state Senate Minority Leader John McKinney and former U.S. Congressman Chris Shays.

Connecticut Federation of Republican Women
Media Release
For immediate release
From: Maral Austin Johnson, Corresponding Secretary, 1-860-658-7962 between 6 AM – 11 PM
Re: Sat., May 30th , 12-2 PM Annual Meeting and Luncheon at the Inn in Middletown, CT.
During the weekend after Memorial Day, on Saturday, May 30, the Connecticut Federation of Republican Women will hold its Annual Meeting and Luncheon from 12 - 2 PM at the Inn in Middletown, 70 Main Street, Middletown, Connecticut.
Members, potential members, friends and neighbors from all over Connecticut are encouraged to form companionable carpools to attend. Gentlemen are welcome to congregate with others of like minds, to tender moral support and consider attainment of GOP victories.
Invited guests include: the Hon.M. Jodi Rell, Governor; Republican National Committeewoman Patricia Longo; Republican State Party Chairman Chris Healy; Republican State Party Vice Chairwoman Lisa Carver; the Hon. Christopher Shays; the Hon. Nancy Johnson; the Hon. Rob Simmons; State Senator Toni Boucher; State Representative Lawrence Cafaro; State Representative Marilyn Giuliani; Republican officials and legislators, Guest Speaker David West, author of "Reality Check".
The lunch includes gourmet-prepared chicken or salmon entree, side dishes, salad, dessert, coffee or tea at a charge of $35 per person and a cash bar for those who wish it.
Checks should be made payable to "CFRW" and mailed to Judy Davies, CFRW Treasurer, 332 Joshuatown Rd., Lyme, CT, 06371, specifying entrée choice. Davies may also be reached at (860) 526-9828. Space limitations make early reservations prudent. Dues may also be paid at the door, including those for At-Large memberships. Exit 15 off Route 9 leads to the 70 Main Street destination. Parking spaces are in close proximity to the Inn.
Each club has traditionally brought gifts or favors suitable for door prizes, etc. Any questions about this, or other matters, may be directed to CFRW President Kathleen McCarty at (860) 442-2903 in Waterford, CT.

HARTFORD (AP) - U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays has lost his bid for an 11th term in Congress.
Shays, who is the last New England Republican in the House of Representatives, lost to former Greenwich businessman Jim Himes. With 40 percent of votes counted, Himes won 60 percent to 39 percent.
Himes is a former Goldman Sachs vice president who now runs Northeast operations at Enterprise Community Partners, an affordable housing operation.
Shays survived close elections in 2004 and 2006.
Shays has long been popular in his district in southwestern Connecticut, but recent campaigns have been close as Republicans fell from power in Congress and Shays' support for the Iraq war put him at odds with many Connecticut voters.

The Republican-American has endorsed three Republicans for U.S. Congress - Chris Shays in the 4th District, David Cappiello in the 5th District and Joe Visconti in the 1st District, arguing that if Obama wins, it will be dangerous to have one party control both the presidency and Congress.

CLICK HERE for the paper's endorsements.