TALLAHASSEE - Lawton ''Bud'' Chiles III will run for governor in 2006, hoping to capture the seat his father held for eight years before Gov. Jeb Bush took office.

Chiles, a Democrat, has never run for political office. He realizes, though, his name will be an asset as he tries to build support for his candidacy. Though he has not formally announced, he said Tuesday he has decided to run.

''The primary reason I'm running in this campaign is because I feel like people's access to government is limited by money, power and politics,'' Chiles said. ``The average Joe Citizen is pretty much disenfranchised from the system.''

Chiles, 51, lives in Orlando and runs a coastal development company. He returned to Florida almost two years ago after working as a vice president for Hope Worldwide, a charity that provides education and medical services for poor families on six continents. Before that, he owned a Tallahassee public relations company.

''The name recognition helps him out of the gate of the Democratic primary, but then it will be up to him to show that he's a capable leader and that he has the qualities to be a good governor,'' said Aubrey Jewett, a University of Central Florida political science professor.

Chiles would also be able to tap into his father's former supporters, which should help him build a statewide campaign network, Jewett said.

His mother, Rhea Chiles, will serve as his campaign treasurer.

Bud Chiles believes he can attract Central and North Florida voters who tend to be more conservative than South Florida Democrats, saying Republicans won't be able to beat him on faith and family issues. And like his father, who would escape to a hunting cabin outside the capital, Chiles said he is familiar with life in rural Florida.

''He has not held an elected office, but he has had experience in the field,'' Rhea Chiles said.

Other Democrats contemplating a run for governor include U.S. Rep. Jim Davis of Tampa, Florida Democratic Party Chairman Scott Maddox and state Sen. Rod Smith.

Republicans considering a run include state Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher, Attorney General Charlie Crist and Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings.

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It is common knowledge that the Republican candidate will be Attorney General Charlie Crist.  Should they match up, it will be a great race.