Kevin Lembo, the state Healthcare Advocate and one of Connecticut's most visible health policy experts, is in the running for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor.

In a statement Tuesday, Lembo said he hoped voters would have a chance to make "an informed choice about who is second in command," especially given Connecticut's propensity for having lieutenant governors step in to fill the boss' shoes. (Though not their hot tubs, their cathedral ceilings, their lakefront patios, etc.)

Lembo is 46, a veteran of Comptroller Nancy Wyman's staff before being nominated to his current position by Gov. M. Jodi Rell. As Healthcare Advocate, Lembo and his staff have advocated for the rights of consumers and helped them wrangle with the health care industry. When Lembo used his bully pulpit to raise serious questions about some of Rell's proposed health reforms, including the Charter Oak health program for the uninsured, the governor may have grown to regret her choice. Though Lembo's office is paid for out of funds raised from insurance companies, not taxes, Rell tried to eliminate it entirely last spring as a budget-cutting measure. Lembo and lawmakers fought back and preserved the office after all. He is now serving his second four-year term.

Lembo's announcement also included statements to the effect that the state's lieutenant governor need not be a potted plant with a nice suit on. In fact, he or she could be an elected official who actually does some stuff. This position is sure to enrage Connecticut's eight remaining journalists, since if the l.g. is in fact a person with responsibilties, then we might not get to treat him or her like a large fern, and instead might have to cover him. (Kidding, Fedele. Kidding. Just a little joke.)

"We should not waste the potential of the office of the Lieutenant Governor on ceremonial duties," Lembo said.

Wait a minute.

Let us review:

- Wants to select himself for position of running mate.

- Knows about complicated policy stuff, moves easily among various circles at the Capitol.

- Wants to make the second-banana position in the executive branch actually matter.

Oh my god.

Kevin Lembo is Dick Cheney.

(Don't tell him I said that.)

Update: True story: Lembo just called to suggest we go pheasant-hunting. Uh oh.