Keenan plans to discuss Senate bid with GOP senators

WASHINGTON (AP) Former Republican state lawmaker Bob Keenan of Bigfork is discussing a potential Senate bid with Republican Party leaders in Washington, D.C. this week. But he says he still doesn't know if he'll run.

Keenan has plans to meet tomorrow with Republican Senators Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and John ensign of Nevada about a challenge to Democratic Senator Max Baucus. McConnell is Senate Republican leader and Ensign is in charge of the party's campaign efforts.

Keenan says he's also being pressured to run for governor.

Keenan ran for the Republican nomination in 2006, losing in the primary to former Senator Conrad Burns.

Former House Majority Leader Michael Lange has already announced he's seeking the Republican nomination for Senate.

Baucus, who began serving in the Senate in 1979, is chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and his campaign had already raised 6 million dollars by the middle of this year.

By AP Writer Mary Clare Jalonick (Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 09-25-07 1751CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list