Organized labor's track record in contests for governor in this state has

 been a mixed bag of sorts.

     Labor wanted Larry Owen for governor; it got Geoffrey Fieger instead and labor ignored Fieger.

     Labor wanted Howard Wolpe; it got Howard Wolpe who proceeded to run a lousy campaign and handed John Engler another four years without forcing the GOP guy to break a sweat.

     Fast forward to right now.  Large segments of labor really wanted John Cherry to be the next governor.  So much for that.

     Now labor has hurredly scrambled to stage some interviews, better known as cattle calls, asking each of this year's potentials to "come on down" and chat.

     Congressman Gary Peters showed up.  The chat was not long.  He ain't running.

     Dan Kildee, with some labor cachet, appeared, talked, but has not made a final decision.

     And the list of invitees goes on including Andy Dillon, Bob Bowman, Denise Ilitch, Bart Stupak, Virg Bernero, and Alma Wheeler Smith.

     The D's would love to lure a guy like Edsel or Bill Ford into the mix, but these guys weren't born yesterday.  Why should they talk?

     Some still hold out hope for DTE Energy guy Tony Early.  Not a chance.

     And here is the most telling tid bid:  After all these years of trying to run a "traditional" democrat, see Owen and Wolpe, the blue collar folks are finally coming to the conclusion that maybe that ought to take a peak at someone with business experience.

     Ya think.