In an interview with The Hill, the former congressman said he is looking at both his old House seat and the Senate race.
“I am considering them both,” he said. “But I’m not in any hurry. I’ve been in Congress, so for me it’s a question of whether I want to re-enter the world of public service and what contribution I can make in either the House or the Senate.”
Bass says that he is “not spending every waking moment thinking about” whether he’ll run and that it is a “complex decision” for him. Since New Hampshire holds its primaries in September, well after most states, Bass notes he doesn’t have to make a decision soon. He expects to wait until the end of this year or the beginning of next year to decide.
Don’t strain the brain, there, Charlie — you have all the time in the world. It’s not like the Democrats have lined up a top-tier recruit for the Senate race who’s already squirreling away campaign cash for 2010. Oh wait… Paul Hodes. Right.
Well, maybe John E. Sununu will make up the Bassmaster’s mind for him.
UPDATE (David): Bass in 2006:
“If the opportunity ever presents itself, I will jump into the political fray with as much excitement, enthusiasm and passion as I have in the past,” he said.
Isn’t an open seat he once held the ultimate opportunity? Not a whole lot of excitement, enthusiasm and passion here, though.
It’s a very “complex decision” indeed.
Lemme show you how “complex” it is:
a) John Sununu the Elder, NHGOP Chair, decides to install his son John Sununu the Younger as NH-Sen nominee by fiat. Charlie runs for NH-02, where he will have to primary Jennifer Horn for it, or else run for governor.
b) John Sununu the Elder, NHGOP Chair, decides not to install his son John Sununu the Younger as NH-Sen nominee by fiat.
Let’s be clear about something here. The Sununu dynasty has gummed up the works at the top of the ticket, so all the other potential NHGOP candidates are flailing around not knowing what race to run for, since the top affects the pecking order all the way down. For example, when Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta announced he was running for higher office, he somewhat comically was unable to say which one.
Long story short – they are all afraid of Bush I’s former CoS, and can’t really make a move until they know if Sprintin’ Sununu’s in play.
Needless to say, this makes fundraising and getting your name out tough while everyone waits. So score one for Charlie for getting in the Hill over a “mull”.
FWIW, my predictions for the GOP nominees:
NH-Sen: John E. Sununu (again, but now for an open seat)
NH-01: Frank Guinta
NH-02: Jennifer Horn (again, but now for an open seat)
NH-Gov: Charlie Bass
Another likely scenario puts Guinta for Gov, Bass battling with Horn in primary, but that leaves a likely primary for NH-01, which they sure don’t want (possibles: Fergus Cullen, David Bestani, John Stephen).