The race for the open seat for governor of Massachusetts has taken a wild new turn. And the campaigns of the leading Republican and Democratic candidates for governor have been deeply undercut by the latest development.

Maverick businessman Christy Mihos, has bolted the Republican Party to run as an independent in the 2006 race for governor. Mihos had, as a member of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority run afoul of the GOP establishment several years ago. Then-Republican Gov. Jane Swift tried to fire him, but ultimately, the courts determined that she did not have the authority. He never got over it.