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ANNAPOLIS — Not long after Veterans Affairs Secretary George W. Owings III was let go from the job he cherished several months into Gov. Martin O'Malley's term, his political future came into question.

Would he seek to re-enter elected office, play a behind-the-scenes role or fade quietly into retirement?

"My political involvement will consist of voting in every election," Owings said in September 2007.

Now at 63 and still exhibiting the gregarious personality that made him one of the more popular and colorful members of the General Assembly during his 16 years as a state delegate, Owings is starting to rethink his options.

The most radical scenario — and one that has State Circle buzzing — has Owings weighing a primary challenge to O'Malley (D). Some observers said they've heard that the chain-smoking, Harley-riding Vietnam veteran from Southern Maryland was considering running as a Republican.

Owings, a former House majority whip, declined to address the speculation of a gubernatorial bid, but said he was keeping his political options open. And he reaffirmed his commitment to the Democratic Party, of which he has been a lifelong member.

"Now that I've had a cooling off [period], I'm looking to get back into public life, as I miss it having been involved in it for the last 30 years," Owings said Wednesday. "At this point, there's a lot of options open."

But the one that's stirring Annapolis and Calvert County is the rumor that he's going after O'Malley.

Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., a longtime ally of Owings, believes he has a future in politics as a Democrat, but suggested that challenging O'Malley would be seen as a sign of bitterness at being removed from his Cabinet post.

Miller (D-Dist. 27) of Chesapeake Beach said he lobbied O'Malley to keep Owings as a member of his Cabinet, "but the governor wanted his own team."

He hopes Owings does not let that drive his political decision. "There's certainly room for him in the Democratic Party, but what he chooses to do is up for grabs."

Owings said he does not hold a grudge against O'Malley.

Owings is still revered at home for his folksy demeanor and his conservative Democratic stances, said Calvert County Democratic Central Committee Chairman Christopher Reynolds.

But he said Owings told him that an upcoming announcement about what office he will seek would upset him. Challenging the governor would "put some folks in a very uncomfortable position between having to choose between Martin O'Malley and a fellow we know very well and regard highly," Reynolds said.

There had been some speculation that Owings might seek to reclaim the legislative seat he gave up in 2004. But the success of Del. Sue Kullen makes that unlikely, especially in that Owings has spoken highly of his successor's performance.