In private meetings across the city of Jackson, a handful of current, former and aspiring officeholders are weighing their options for spring 2009.
By then, who is running for mayor of Jackson will be known.
With the filing deadline months away, no one has officially put in the paperwork to become a candidate. But a tax collector and an ex-TV sports anchor said they intend to announce their candidacy later.
Two City Council members, a former mayor and a former police chief say they are considering a run.
It is unclear if whoever runs will face current Mayor Frank Melton, a Democrat, at the polls. While Melton has said publically that he intends to run for a second term, he would not confirm his plans when reached for comment last week.