Washington: Dan Evans

The governor may be back for more punishment, according to AP reporter Curt Woodward.

Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire is considering a rare third run at the governor’s mansion.

Gregoire has registered as a candidate for governor in 2012 with the state Public Disclosure Commission. Gregoire’s spokesman tells The Associated Press that she hasn’t decided whether to run — but she’s keeping her options open.

It’s the first time Gregoire has publicly said she’s interested in a third term. The last Washington governor to run for three terms was Republican Dan Evans, who served from 1965-1977.

Gregoire was elected to her second term last fall over Republican Dino Rossi. State law doesn’t allow her to raise any money for a possible 2012 campaign until the 2009 legislative session is over.