JACKSON - Since forming his political action committee in April, Clarksdale attorney Bill Luckett said he is "ahead of schedule" on his likely run for governor in 2011.

The stated goal of the PAC, known as Progress for Mississippi, is "to study policy issues for Mississippi's future and to assist with Democratic Party elections in the 2011 Mississippi election cycle," but it is widely viewed as a vehicle to help kick off Luckett's campaign for governor.

"I am really encouraged about where things are right now," said Luckett, who has never run for office but has been involved in Democratic Party politics. "If you look at it like building a house, I am ahead of schedule and on budget."

Luckett, 61, said last week he is putting a staff together for a campaign. But he doesn't plan to make a formal announcement until next year.

Luckett on the Democratic side and Gulf Coast businessman Dave Dennis on the Republican side, both political newcomers, have indicated they plan to challenge for the vacant post in what is expected to be a strong field of political veterans.

Attorney General Jim Hood is probably the Democrat with the best name recognition considering the post.

Luckett said he has been spending about a third of his time on his political planning. He has been giving speeches throughout the state and meeting with people about his likely run for governor.

Luckett is perhaps best known on the state and even national level as actor Morgan Freeman's business partner. Together they own the restaurant Madidi and Ground Zero Blues Club, both in Carksdale. Both ventures have received national attention.

Contact Bobby Harrison at (601) 353-3119 or bobby.harrison@djournal.com.