Homeland Security Expert Juliette Kayyem Explores Run for Massachusetts Governor

National security expert Juliette Kayyem is actively exploring a run for governor of Massachusetts, consulting with state and national Democrats about her possible prospects in 2014, according to multiple Democrats familiar with the conversations.
 

A former assistant secretary in President Barack Obama’s Department of Homeland Security, Kayyem would bring an unconventional political profile to the race to succeed outgoing Democratic Gov. Deval Patrick.

National Democrats said they believe Kayyem is unlikely to run if state Attorney General Martha Coakley enters the race.
 

But the Harvard lecturer and Boston Globe columnist has taken steps to test the 2014 waters. Kayyem has spoken with EMILY’s List; the Boston Globe reported last month that the Democratic women’s group viewed Kayyem as a potentially strong female gubernatorial contender.