Providence businessman Rory Smith is mulling a Republican run for governor, according to the head of the state Republican party.

Chairman Giovanni Cicione confirmed that he is trying to recruit Smith to become a candidate, along with "a bunch" of other Republicans.

"He is considering it," Cicione said. "...I think he'd be a great candidate, but it's an open field at this point. We don't have anyone who has said 'yes'."

Cicione declined to discuss a possible Smith candidacy any further, or reveal names of other GOP hopefuls.

News of Smith's potential candidacy began circulating late this week. Smith did not return phone calls to his office Thursday or Friday.

Smith is listed a special limited partner at Nautic Partners, a Providence investment firm, according to the company's Web site.

According to the East Greenwich Board of Canvassers, Smith changed his party affiliation from Independent to Republican in late September, filing a formal letter with that department.

Ciocione said he met Smith recently at an event, but was not otherwise familiar with him from party circles.

A spokeswoman for Governor Carcieri said the governor too has met Smith before, but is not well acquainted with him.

On the other side of the political aisle, Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch, a Democratic candidate for governor, offered a biting criticism of the potential candidate, whom he has not met:

"He's described as sort of the Wall Street type -- makes a killing, retires to East Greenwich, and thinks he can run the state. I don't know if he's a neighbor of Don Carcieri who did the same thing," Lynch said.

Cicione called that comment, "Typical Patrick Lynch, going after the person, rather than the ideas."