Steve Henry says he'll formally announce his candidacy at a news conference Tuesday morning at a Louisville union hall. Henry says he'll have a "Lexington woman" as a running mate but refused to say who it is. I know who it's not: Rep. Kathy Stein or Fayette Co. Sheriff Kathy Witt. Henry says women's issues will be a centerpiece of his campaign.

Steve Pence will announce next week that he's not running for any office in 2007. Pence is telling close friends that he intends to come back to Louisville, get a real job and hang with his family. Pence wouldn't confirm that but has told me since last summer that he "has no plans to run for anything" in 2007. I really can't figure out why there's been repeated discussions of Pence as a candidate for governor or attorney general.

Jody Richards says he'll make an announcement on Monday or Tuesday of next week, but won't say what that announcement will be. The House Speaker says he wants a chance to call members of his democratic house caucus and tell them what he's doing before making any announcement. Richards' choice for a running mate has been narrowed to one. former Secretary of State John Y. Brown III.

Bruce Lunsford still won't return phone calls.

Dave Armstrong is making phone calls and asking people not to get "locked in" on the governor's race. Armstrong is apparently very serious about the possibility of entering the crowded democratic primary.

Charlie Owen is still discussing his options with political friends but has made little noise in Louisville.