The Eye

Perles then returned to East Lansing to coach an MSU team that in 1982 had capped four straight losing seasons by finishing with two wins and nine losses. By 1987, Perles reversed that, with his team going 9-2 with one tie and then winning the prestigious Rose Bowl on New Year's Day. But after three more strong seasons, the program had a reversal -- which coincided with Perles' controversial decision to double as director of the director of all MSU athletic programs while coaching the football team -- and a fourth consecutive mediocre season in 1994 lost Perles his coaching job. He stayed in college football, though, as founder and now longtime CEO of the post-season Motor City Bowl played in Detroit.

Though he now has stated his intention to run in next year's race to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm, Perles doesn't seem to be in any rush to formally launch his campaign. He will have to play catch-up after he does, as several contenders have already declared their candidacies and are ramping up their political operations.

The favorite in the Democratic primary is Lt. Gov. John Cherry, who has served eight years as second to Granholm. Other possible Democratic candidates include state House Speaker Andy Dillon, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, state Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith and former Flint Mayor Don Williamson.

Already vying for the Republican nomination are experienced politicians such as state Attorney General Mike Cox, U.S. Rep. Peter Hoekstra and Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, who was the GOP's 2006 challenger to Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow.

Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land, state Sen. Tom George and Ann Arbor businessman Rick Snyder are also expected to join the field.

To follow the 2009 and 2010 governors' races, check out CQ Politics' election map.