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ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)

Ortman considering challenge to Franken

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Republican state Sen. Julianne Ortman says she is "seriously considering" a challenge to Sen. Al Franken next year.

Ortman tells The Associated Press on Monday that it's a tough decision she'll make after discussions with her family and political advisors in the coming weeks. The state senator from Chanhassen has been discussed as a possible candidate but she had not publicly addressed the speculation until Monday.

Ortman has represented Carver County in the state Senate since 2003. She is a former chairwoman of the powerful Taxes Committee.

Franken's only definite Republican challenger so far is Mike McFadden, a Minneapolis businessman. Conservative talk radio host Jason Lewis is also considering the race. Franken is seeking reelection for the first time after an extremely close win over Republican Norm Coleman in 2002.