Ed Schultz Considers Bid For North Dakota Senate Seat

MSNBC talk show host and liberal firebrand Ed Schultz is considering a run for Senate in his home state of North Dakota following the abrupt resignation of Senator Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) on Tuesday evening.

The longtime talk show host, who was until recently based out of Fargo, North Dakota, told the Huffington Post that "there is a lot to think about" after he was approached by Democratic leaders in the state about a possible run. But the possibility is there, even if a decision is far off.

"The phone call from [North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party leader] Merle Boucher is certainly new territory for me," said Schultz.

The MSNBC host, who has lengthy ties to the state, said he was called last night by Dorgan who, in a rather suggestive question, asked Schultz how old he was. Hours later Boucher was on the phone asking Schultz to consider a run for the Senate seat.

"I asked him very point-blank if this was an official ask." Schultz said. "He said, 'Yes it is'. I'm flattered. I'm honored."

To jump into the Senate race, however, would require Schultz to drop his new spot on MSNBC's evening lineup, something that is weighing heavily on the host.

"I feel good about my position," he said. "I feel good about who I am and what I advocate for. I'm a strong believer in building the middle class. And to put that in terms of the Senate race I'm just not there yet."

Party officials, as of Wednesday morning, had not heard that Schultz was even considering a bid -- a reflection of just how quickly news is moving. And there is likely to be some tension should the MSNBC host ultimately decide to get into the race. The logical choice to replace Dorgan seemed to be Rep. Early Pomeroy, a Democratic representative in the state.

Dorgan and Schultz did work out one agreement, however: Dorgan will appear exclusively on Schultz's show at 6 p.m. this evening.