"Obviously John Cherry's exit from the governor's race is a game-changer," says Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero.

At his own swearing in ceremony, Bernero can't help but talk about his chances of becoming our next governor.

"You have some people that say 'if John wasn't in, I'd support you,'" Bernero says.

He's hoping to capture much of that support, now that the Lieutenant Governor has announced he's not running. Though Bernero hasn't officially announced his candidacy for governor, this only sweetens the deal.

With an announcement on his Web site, Lt. Gov. Cherry tells his supporters his decision was economy-driven. He says he worries fundraising challenges would make running a successful campaign difficult at best.

House Speaker Andy Dillon, D-Redford, another possible candidate, released a statement Tuesday saying he respects Cherry's decision and the tremendous work he's done for the state. Governor Jennifer Granholm, who had supported Cherry, expressed in a statement her disappointment that he's not running.

"I think my chances are pretty good. I think they were always pretty good," Bernero says.

Bernero tells us Tuesday he's not concerned that, at this point, his name recognition in the state isn't great.

"I've got a big mouth, I'm told," he jokes. "I don't worry so much about that. I'd worry more if 50 percent of people didn't like me. To say I'm unknown is an opportunity."