UPDATED WITH BIO: Independent Tudor wants to run for governor

SECOND UPDATE: Here is the biography for new gubernatorial candidate Christopher Tudor.

UPDATE: Tudor is chairman of the board of Travelodge, which is under the umbrella of Wyndham Hotel Group, his spokeswoman said in a follow-up e-mail. He represents U.S. franchisee interests.

FIRST POST: Independent candidate for governor Christopher Tudor is trying to collect 1,000 signatures to qualify for the Aug. 19 ballot.

I haven’t found much information available about the man yet. But he issued a press release through a newly hired aide, Jennifer Carroll, saying he plans a nominating convention Wednesday in Seattle. He also has a web site, www.tudor2008.com.

I'm not sure that such a convention is needed any longer for an independent candidate under the state’s new top-two runoff primary system. The new system does not recognize party nominees.

Tudor’s press release also says he is an entrepreneur and chairman of a hospitality brand owned by Wyndham Worldwide. But Carroll said she was just brought on and did not know the name of his company.

Click here to see the news release.

The signature-collecting event runs from 3:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, at the South Lake Union Armory great hall, 860 Terry Ave. N., Seattle. There are details on Tudor’s web site.