Is That Your Final Answer?

Oregon: US. Rep. Peter DeFazio is now publicly considering a Senate challenge to Gordon Smith. DeFazio says he is "reluctantly" considering a bid as he sees the necessary fundraising as a potential impediment, but that could just be a nudge to the DSCC that he would go in if they stepped up their support for him. At any rate, this is a step in the right direction from DeFazio's earlier lack of interest in a bid. DeFazio "promised a decision next month."

Tennessee: Putting to bed any lingering retirement rumors, Lamar Alexander declared that "he plans to run for re-election in 2008." No further speculation in the article on who a Democratic challenger might be. (HT: KnoxViews)

Virginia: Raising Kaine highlights comments by John Warner in WaPo to the effect of J. Warner taking his sweet time in deciding on a re-election bid. RK suggests that J. Warner's delay hurts Tom Davis, the likely GOP stand-in, by making him wait in the wings, while it helps Mark Warner, who could have a campaign running from 0 to 60 in short order.

Arkansas: kos wonders if former Governor Mike Huckabee's miniscule fundraising in the Presidential race might prompt him to reconsider a Senate bid.

New Hampshire: When Stonyfield CEO Gary Hirshberg opted out of the Senate primary, he noted that he would keep an eye on the race and might reconsider getting in. That may become a reality. The Eagle-Tribune notes:

Stonyfield yogurt founder Gary Hirshberg said yesterday that while he's out of the running right now, he would run if no other campaign has gained traction against Sununu by next year.

At the same time, Blue Hampshire reports that Hirshberg is hosting Presidential candidate John Edwards for a tour of the business and a discussion of issues. Could Hirshberg be getting the itch?

UPDATE (4:35pm): Virginia: Though John Warner's WaPo comments suggest that he'll be taking his time in deciding whether or not to run for re-election, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reports: "Warner has also said he expects to make his decision in June." (HT: Political Insider) Hopefully Mark Warner will be a bit more aggressive and enter soon so as to help John Warner make up his mind.