Governor Don Sundquist is mulling over a possible endorsement of one of the two candidates in the Republican gubernatorial primary.

As reported recently in the Chattanooga Times Free Press, Sundquist admits to friction between himself and front-runner Van Hilleary over Hilleary’s skeptical opinion of the extent of the state’s budget problems. Sundquist is also on record saying that some of his own supporters are now beginning to throw their support to former House GOP leader, Jim Henry. However, thus far in the race, Sundquist has kept his support for either candidate confidential.

The Free Press first reported on Tuesday that while in Washington, D.C. for a meeting of the National Governors Association, Sundquist said he might endorse one of the two candidates.

Unlike Sundquist, neither Republican candidate for governor supports an income tax, making the possibility that Sundquist would endorse one candidate over the other an interesting decision.

Sundquist’s press office emphasized Thursday that the governor is not endorsing anyone at this point, is watching the candidates closely, and will decide whether or not to issue an endorsement at a later date.

Some political pundits, such as conservative radio personality Steve Gill, say they suspect Sundquist’s endorsement of either candidate will cost that candidate votes.