Chopra for Lt. Gov.?

Usually the only people who host parties at Virginia state conventions are those running for statewide office.

So when Aneesh P. Chopra, secretary of technology for Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, passed out colorful invitations to his party after the state Democratic convention concludes tonight activists started talking. Many Democrats, including potential rival Jon Bowerbank, expect Chopra to jump into the lieutenant govenor's race next year.

Chopra, former managing director with the Advisory Board Company, a publicly-traded health care think tank serving nearly 2,500 hospitals and health systems, said he is considering his options.

"I want to know how I can be of service" to the party after Kaine leaves office, he said while making the rounds at the Embassy Suites bar Friday night.

Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling (R) plans to run for re-election. Democrat Bowerbank, a businessman and member of the Russell County Board of Supervisors, is already running. He also plans to host a party tonight.

Secretary of Finance Jody W. Wagner has also said she is considering running. Wagner, who lost a bid for Congress in 2000, was the state treasurer under former governor Mark R. Warner (D) before starting her current job.