M.Herald/ J.Wyse
The governor of oil-rich Zulia state Pablo Pérez, 42,(right) wants to challenge an ailing President Hugo Chavez in 2012.
There are big risks.
His predecessor Manuel Rosales fled to Peru in 2009 from corruption charges after his failed presidential bid.
Also Pérez is badly lagging behind front-runner Miranda state Governor Henrique Capriles Radonski.