"Is this my time?"

That's the question Mayor Virg Bernero is asking himself concerning the 2010 race for governor. His answer...

"I am reluctantly considering it."

The mayor says he hasn't fully made up his mind but feels Michigan needs strong leadership at the state level.

"Every issue is met with gridlock," said Bererno. "There is no unanimity in education, no unanimity on the environment. It's bitter partisan rancor constantly and people are tired of it. They're tired of what goes on in state government. And i don't blame them."

Analysts say they aren't shocked the mayor has his eyes on the gubernatorial race, and they all agree he has major obstacles that stand in his way.

"His challenges will be fundraising, name recognition and he is getting into it relatively late," said Bill Rustem, CEO and President of Public Sector Consultants.

"He will have to compete in areas he hasn't competed before and where he is not well known," said Bernie Porn of Epic MRA.

Bernero has little exposure outside of lansing, aside from his brief media stints as the "angry mayor" on CNN.

Analysts also say voters will undoubtedly wonder if a run for governor would distract Bernero's duties as mayor, but he says his main priorities lay here in Lansing.

"If I do run, I'd be moving upstairs in order to fix some of these problems for Lansing and other cities as well. In the long run, I would only do it if it was in the best interest for Lansing as well."

Bernero says he plans on making a decision within the month.