Grey Corporate lawyer Robert J. Grey Jr. is considering a run for mayor.

With Mayor L. Douglas Wilder out of the mayor's race, Richmond's new form of government could face its first true test with voters.

Wilder's decision not to run for re-election this fall throws open the race for a successor. No clear favorite has emerged, and the potential for a historic runoff election looms as more contenders consider jumping into the race.

If no candidate wins five districts in the Nov. 4 election, a runoff election would be held Dec. 16.

"This will be the first genuine experience of the district-based election system," said John V. Moeser, a veteran professor of urban studies at the University of Richmond.

The latest person to test the political waters is corporate lawyer Robert J. Grey Jr., who confirmed yesterday that he is considering a run for mayor.

Grey embraced Wilder's legacy as the first popularly elected mayor in Richmond in more than 50 years.

"I have always been among those who would have supported Mayor Wilder if he wanted to run for a second term," Grey, 57, said in an e-mail to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

"Since the mayor has announced his decision not to seek a second term, I have received phone calls and e-mails from friends and citizens encouraging me to consider running. I want you to know that I am considering it. I feel strongly that whoever decides to run, it should be everyone's priority to continue the advancements and momentum made under Mayor Wilder."

Wilder's decision to step down also may open up debate over refinements to the new form of government he helped create.

His four-year term has been marked by escalating battles with the City Council over the powers of the elected mayor under the revised City Charter but no consensus on whether to change the system or how.

Some business leaders and political observers think the next mayor may have a better chance of redefining the balance of powers in city government to reduce political conflict over who's in charge.

"I'd love to see peace between the council and the mayor's office," said William H. Goodwin Jr., president of CCA Industries Inc. and a business ally of Wilder.

Larry Sabato, a political-science professor at the University of Virginia, thinks Wilder's departure could help that happen.

"He's a giant personality," Sabato said of the mayor, who was the first elected black governor in U.S. history. "He's as bright as the sun, and it can blind people to other important debates that local governments like the city of Richmond ought to be having."

State and local politicians say the wide-open field also will force candidates to sharpen their visions for city leadership.

"I think it's going to be a totally different race," City Councilwoman Kathy C. Graziano said. Candidates "are going to have to run a campaign to establish themselves as the one who can do the best job."

So far, Paul Goldman, a former aide to Wilder, and Dwight Clinton Jones, a Richmond delegate, have filed candidacy papers. Others who say they are running include Lawrence E. Williams Sr. and Donnie Corker. City Council President William J. Pantele is considering a bid.

State Sen. A. Donald McEachin, a Democrat who represents part of Richmond, said no candidate can assume a political constituency in the mayor's race.

"At the end of the day, each candidate is going to have to stand on his own merits, regardless of endorsements and regardless of previous service," McEachin said.

The prospect of Grey's candidacy adds further intrigue to a race that's shifting rapidly before the candidates' June 10 filing deadline.

Grey, a past president of the American Bar Association who is active with the Greater Richmond Chamber, could attract business-community support for a citywide campaign as Wilder did four years ago.

UR's Moeser said that although Grey is highly respected among business leaders, it's unclear whether he could win five districts.

Up to now, Grey has served on various blue-ribbon commissions but has shied away from electoral politics. He also was among 26 business leaders who signed letters last year calling for major educational reforms, including appointing school boards instead of electing them. The idea withered under fierce public criticism and went nowhere.

"If he's identified as Wilder's choice . . . it seems he's going to be swimming up Niagara Falls to about 60 percent of voters who have been disenchanted with Wilder's term," Moeser said, referring to public polls suggesting that the mayor's popularity has taken a beating.

Grey and Wilder spokesman Linwood Norman did not respond yesterday to messages seeking comment.

Moeser said a Grey candidacy could have the biggest impact on Pantele because both would likely draw some support from the business community.

Pantele is waiting to announce his plans until after the council introduces its amendments to Wilder's proposed budget, but he said yesterday that he encourages people interested in the job to jump into the race. "There are a lot of good people out there," he said.

Moeser said Grey would have less impact on Goldman and perhaps none on Jones.

City Councilman Chris A. Hilbert is among those who believe his 3rd District on North Side could be up for grabs, particularly if the race comes down to Jones and Pantele. Hilbert predicted that a candidate would need $500,000 to mount a credible citywide campaign.

"I don't think either one of them are household names like the current mayor," Hilbert said. "They're going to have to introduce themselves to a large part of the city. That's going to take resources."