How badly does Bill Lockyer want to be governor of California?

There are about a half-dozen serious Democratic candidates considering a run for California’s governorship in 2006, and in left-leaning state like California, each has a pretty good chance at becoming governor.

One of the early favorites is California Attorney General Bill Lockyer, who’s developed a strong reputation on criminal justice issues in the state. And while I’d never question his political skills or commitment to public service, I do wonder how prepared he is for life as a newlywed.

Last week, Lockyer left a wedding reception for a few hours to host a nationally televised news conference on developments in the Laci Paterson murder case. If you think that’s bad, consider this: It was his wedding reception.

That’s right; he left his own reception to talk to the media about developments in the case. Just a few hours after getting married, Lockyer was notified that police were arresting Scott Paterson for the murder of his wife. In light of the national interest in the story, Lockyer felt that duty called. He stepped away from the reception to speak to reporters and do a quick live interview with Larry King on CNN.

To be sure, Lockyer has impressed everyone with his skills as attorney general and he’s very popular statewide. If he had asked me for advice at the reception, as a political professional, I would have advised him to do the press conference and build on his high public profile. But as a husband, I probably would have said, “Are you nuts?”