Gov. Angus King “was astounded” when Daniel Wathen handed him a letter before a Cabinet meeting Wednesday saying he was resigning as chief justice of the state supreme court to run for governor.

“I was as surprised as everybody else,” said King. “He has never talked to me about the idea of running for governor.”

King was reluctant to speculate on the political fallout likely from Wathen’s entry into the 2002 race. But he was lavish with praise for Wathen, calling him “a model chief justice” who has “served superbly for the last 24 years in a very human way.”

Perhaps the biggest compliment King offered about Wathen is rooted in their common affinity for motorcycles. The two have taken several annual summertime road trips with other biking pals across Maine.

“The guy drives a Harley – what can I say? He obviously has his head on straight,” said King.

Wathen and King have something else in common: Neither sought public elective office before his Blaine House run. King first ran for governor in 1994 and was re-elected in 1998.

King said he hasn’t made up his mind whom he will support – if anyone – in next year’s race. He said Wathen likely will have an impact on whatever the result turns out to be.

“Clearly, his entry into the race is going to be a major factor,” the governor said.