But, except for Holshouser, no one in modern times has gone directly from the legislature to the governor's mansion. You would think it would be different. Service in the legislature is probably the best way to learn about state government. Legislators have to deal with the tough job of setting priorities and providing the finances for all the good things that state government does. Even though the legislature may be the best training ground for governor it is not a good launch pad for many reasons.
Legislators have a record, one that can be attacked.
Legislators vote hundreds and hundreds of times every session. From those votes their opponents can prove that they are for raising taxes or against schools or somehow on the wrong side of almost any popular issue. Having a record that can be distorted by opponents is not an advantage when running for governor. The inside dealing skills that are necessary to succeed in the legislature don't help in the spotlight of a governor's campaign. These characteristics don't appeal to the voters.