ST. PAUL, Minn. – Former Gov. John “Jock” McKernan said he knows of four or five good candidates for governor in 2010, but won’t say who they are.

McKernan was the last Republican to hold the chief executive position in the state, serving from 1987 to 1995. Before that he served in Congress from 1983 to 1987.

In order for a Republican to take back the Blaine House, McKernan said the candidate will need a combination of political and business experience. The right candidate will need to know how to make government work, be passionate about the state and have a vision to make things better.

Democratic Gov. John Baldacci will be termed out in 2010, and many predict a wide field of candidates on both sides.

McKernan and his wife, U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Auburn) are both attending the Republican National Convention tonight.