FRANKFORT, Ky. — State Rep. Steve Nunn, R-Glasgow, said Friday his name can be added to the long list of people pondering a campaign for governor in 2003.

        Mr. Nunn, a legislator since 1991 and son of Kentucky's last Republican governor, briefly considered a campaign in 1999. Mr. Nunn said he has been traveling the state and gauging interest.

        “It's about as tentative as everybody else right now,” he said. “It's something I have an interest in.”

        Louie Nunn was governor from 1967-71, the last Republican to hold the office in Kentucky.

        The younger Mr. Nunn's name has been tossed around as a potential lieutenant governor running mate, but Mr. Nunn said he has no particular interest in a second slot. “But there's nothing to preclude it,” he said.

        Unlike past years, when Republicans have been unable to field a viable candidate, there is a potentially deep and experienced field of GOP prospects to succeed Democratic Gov. Paul Patton. In 1999, the Republican nominee was Peppy Martin, a political neophyte who embarrassed many in her party, especially when she appeared on television and said many sheriffs and state police officers were involved in the drug trade.

        Republicans did not field candidates for any other statewide office below the gubernatorial ticket in 1999.

        U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers of Somerset, who ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor himself in 1979 before he began his congressional career in 1980, is considered the front-runner, but has not declared what course he will take.

        If Mr. Rogers stays in his congressional seat, the field opens up.

        Rep. Ernie Fletcher of Lexington, who also served a term in the state House of Representatives, could become a candidate.

        Jefferson County Judge-Executive Rebecca Jackson is considering a race for the new job of mayor of a merged government with Louisville or a statewide race. Some Republicans think Ms. Jackson as a running mate with Mr. Rogers would make an especially formidable ticket.

        Chief Justice Joseph Lambert of Mount Vernon harbors statewide ambitions and is traveling the state on behalf of a proposed, and unopposed, constitutional amendment to create family courts.

        Senate President David Williams of Burkesville also has statewide ambitions but could have a difficult re-election effort in his southern Kentucky district from within his own party next year.

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