Brown Reconsiders Senate Run in Ohio

Knowledgeable sources on and off the Hill tell The Fix that Rep. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) is reconsidering his earlier decision not to challenge Sen. Mike DeWine (R) in 2006.

I called Brown's Capitol Hill office this morning to check it out and the response I got made me think that where there's smoke there's fire.

"His statement has not changed at this time," said spokeswoman Joanna Kuebler. "However, Congressman Brown continues to be asked by state and national supporters to run for the United States Senate in Ohio. He is consulting with supporters and his family as he reviews his decision."

Should Brown jump into the race, he would likely join OH-02 special election nominee Paul Hackett in the contest. Hackett made a much stronger than expected showing earlier this year in a strongly Republican, Cincinnati-area district thanks in large part to the support he received from the liberal blogsophere.

Bloggers are already lining up behind Hackett's potential Senate bid. If Brown runs, will bloggers see it as a snub by the national party to one of their own?