Fmr. Miami Mayor Manny Diaz Mulling Run For Governor

MIAMI (CBS4) - Miami's former mayor may be pursuing another shot at politics, but this time, at a much higher level.

According to CBS4 News partner The Miami Herald, Manny Diaz is considering throwing his hat into the ring to be Florida's next governor. The paper claims Diaz has spent the past three weeks drumming up support from strategists, financiers and elected officials.

No formal announcements has been made, but in a text message to the Herald, Diaz said he is not ready to speak about the matter.

If he decides to run, Diaz, who served as Miami's mayor from 2001-2009, would be the the only Democratic Hispanic candidate who have announced or are considering a bid to challenge Republican Governor Rick Scott in November 2014.

Democratic strategist Jeff Garcia reportedly met with Diaz Friday morning. Garcia, chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Joe Garcia, told the paper he would like to see the former mayor get back into politics.

"His potential candidacy presents a unique opportunity for Democrats and Floridians to take the state in a completely new and positive direction," said Garcia. "I'm excited he's considering running. It adds something new and fresh to the field."

Former Democratic state Senate leader Nan Rich of Weston has formally announced his bid for the governorship. Former state CFO and the last Democratic governor's candidate Alex Sink has expressed interest in running.

Former Governor Charlie Crist, a Republican in office but now a Democrat, is also reportedly mulling another go-around in the Governor's mansion.

In:
• Gubernatorial Race