Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal is considering a challenge to Sen. Joe Lieberman, The Hill reports. Multiple Connecticut Democrats told the paper that Blumenthal has "begun informing influential members of the state's political class that he will prepare for a run against Lieberman."
In an interview with The Hill, Blumenthal said "my only focus and my sole interest right now is on the race in 2010 and seeking reelection as attorney general." However, he added that serving in the Senate "would be an honor, and it's always been a career goal."
Blumenthal has announced that he will not run for governor, fueling speculation that he has his eyes on the Senate.
Blumenthal turns 63 on February 13th. First elected Attorney General in 1990, Blumenthal has served under three successive governors from other parties. In 2000, Slate's David Plotz wrote that "Blumenthal, once one of the most promising young Democratic pols in the nation, is languishing."
"He's intelligent. He's a decent guy. He just doesn't have the fire for a tough run," a New Haven Advocate political columnist told Plotz. "He wants it to be handed to him, and it never was."
An aide to 2006 Lieberman challenger Ned Lamont expressed similar concerns to The Hill. "If he was so afraid and hesitant and cautious about running against Lieberman when he thought it was going to be tough, is he going to run a cautious, careful, don't-take-risks campaign that people aren't going to rally around?" he asked.