LANSING– Gov. Jennifer Granholm says she is supporting her number two man, Lt. Gov. John Cherry, to replace her next year.

“I am supporting Lt. Gov. Cherry,” Granholm said when asked about the announcement Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero was considering getting into the race for Gov.

She said Bernero’s entry into the race was “good for democracy.”

Cherry has been seen as the heir apparent, even while polls consistently show him losing to Republicans. Those polls, in turn, have lead the Obama Administration and the Democratic National Committee to encourage Bernero to run for the office.

If Bernero gets into the race, not only will he face Cherry, but also State Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith and former State Rep. John Freeman. Former Michigan State University football coach and current MSU Trustee George Perles has also indicated an interest in tossing his hat in the Democratic Gov’s race.

Bernero announced Monday he was forming an exploratory committee to help finance a look at a possible run.

Bernero spokesman Jamaine Dickens, a former Kwame Kilpatrick spokesperson, said the endorsement of Cherry was not unexpected.

“I would think one would expect her to support her lt. governor,” Dickens said. “I don’t think that will surprise anybody.”

Dickens said if Bernero gets in the race it will be good the party.

“I believe that Mayor Bernero, if he so chooses to get into the race, would be a healthy mix for the Democratic party going into a primary election,” Dickens said. He said having many candidates will force “strong debate and exchange of ideas,” which will better prepare the ultimate winner of a primary to be better prepared for the general election.