FORT BELVOIR, Va. — Gen. John G. Coburn says leading the Army Material Command has been a huge challenge. After all, if a soldier shoots it, drives it, flies it, wears it, or eats it, his command provides it.

        “Sustaining the Army is an awesome, awesome responsibility, and one that causes you to lay awake at night,” said Gen. Coburn, who officially retires Dec. 1.

        But the four-star general — one of just 10 in the country — isn't looking to kick back on his farm near Mount Sterling, Ky., now that his 38-year military career is coming to a close. Instead, he's giving some thought to putting on a different kind of armor and diving into politics.

        Gen. Coburn stunned political observers in Kentucky last month by saying he was considering running for governor in 2003, when Gov.

        Paul Patton's term expires. Many said they knew little about him, including his party affiliation — something military leaders must keep private.

        Rep. Ernie Fletcher, R-Lexington, who is friends with Gen. Coburn, says he suspects the general is a Republican and thinks Gen. Coburn would be a strong gubernatorial candidate. Mr. Fletcher added that a four-star general would have a good chance of wooing voters during this time of international conflict.

        Gen. Coburn says he has plans to work in the private sector — he won't say where — soon after retiring and will make a decision on politics sometime after that.

        “I haven't made up my mind,” he said during a recent interview from his transition office on this northern Virginia Army post. “Two years ago, I would have told you absolutely no, but I've had lots of people talk to me about it.”

        Gen. Coburn said many of his supporters are veterans or people affiliated with the military. Kentucky has two major Army installations — Fort Knox and Fort Campbell.

        “Given our rich heritage and our military heritage, I think voters would look favorably on him,” said retired Gen. James Shane, executive director of the Kentucky Commission on Military Affairs, which seeks to secure in-state military expenditures.

        Gen. Shane has known Gen. Coburn for 15 years and says his friend isn't just toying with the idea of running.

        “I think he's serious,” Gen. Shane said. “I do not see Gen. Coburn as someone who would be taking an approach like this unless he was serious.”

        Gen. Coburn says he thinks the skills he has acquired as the commander of the Army Material Command could be applied to the state's top job.

        As head of the Army Material Command for three years, Gen. Coburn has been in charge of the Army's depots, arsenals, ammunition plants, laboratories and procurement operations. The division has a $19 billion budget — roughly $2 billion higher than the state's.

        Gen. Coburn also says he has the experience and connections to ensure the state gets its fair share of Washington's attention and assistance.

        “I think that in order to move the state forward, you have to understand how Washington works,” he said. “I know how Washington works, so therefore I would feel pretty comfortable trying to help the state in any way.”

        As for why he might want the governor's job, Gen. Coburn cited concerns about education and “the notion of working with people in a part of the country where patriotism is more than a mere sentiment.”

        Gen. Coburn, 60, spent his childhood in Garrett, Ky., where his father was a coal miner. Gen. Coburn says he still has plenty of family in eastern Kentucky.

        “I have lots of relatives around the state — some good, some bad — mostly bad,” he said exhibiting a sense of humor not typically associated with the nation's highest-ranking military leaders.

        Gen. Coburn's family moved to Michigan when he was a teen-ager, so his father could work in the auto industry. Gen. Coburn graduated from Eastern Michigan University and received a master's degree in political science from the University of Kansas as well as a law degree from the University of Missouri.

        Gen. Shane said it would be important for Gen. Coburn to get back to his Kentucky roots, should the general decide to run for office.

        Gen. Coburn said that wouldn't be difficult. He loved the two years he spent a decade ago stationed at a now-closed Army depot in Lexington, and today he tries to get back to his 145-acre tobacco farm as often as possible. Kentucky also is home to his three grown sons.

        Gen. Coburn says his favorite Kentucky memories include spending time at his grandparent's home in Garrett. He adores the local fare, but you're unlikely to find him munching on one of the state's signature dishes.

        “I don't want to say if I like burgoo or not. I guess you're supposed to like it if you're from Kentucky,” he said looking slightly guilty. “They put everything in the world in it.”

        Should Gen. Coburn decide to run for governor, he should have plenty of company.

        Republicans mentioned as possible gubernatorial candidates include U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers of Somerset and Mr. Fletcher. Possible Democratic candidates include former Gov. Brereton Jones, Lt. Gov. Steve Henry, and Attorney General Ben Chandler.

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