If he can win the city of Lansing(2002) and Ingham County(02, almost again in 04), he can certainly win statewide.
Of course it would be a boon if he had an executive position on his resume but I don't think it is necessary. He's one hell of an electable candidate. I can't see "the troops"--the grassrooters, not unlike myself, going b*lls to the wall for a lot of the politicians who keep getting mentioned. The party can get behind a pro-lifer and I think it comes down to that. I don't believe that the gay marriage debate brought the grassrooters out in the last election--I think it had to do with the judiciary being up for grabs (congrats to Judge Brown, btw). It's a few years off, anyhow--the next 12-18 months should be interesting. It's fun to watch who's getting into position.