Boise City Councilor Alan Shealy wasn't ready to say "Yes" when BW asked him, in February, if he planned to run for re-election to his council seat.

Now we know why: Among other things, Shealy is considering a run for the U.S. Senate.

"I'm talking to some people about it," Shealy, a Republican, told BW. "It's my prerogative to keep my options open."

The seat Shealy would target is now occupied by U.S. Sen. Larry Craig, a Republican who has yet to announce whether or not he plans to run for re-election in 2008. Already Canyon County Commissioner Robert Vasquez, a Republican, and former Congressman Larry LaRocco have announced their plans to run for Craig's seat.

It would make for a lively Republican primary. Lieutenant Gov. Jim Risch, a Republican who was governor last year for seven months, has said that if, and only if, Craig decides not to run, he will consider making the bid too.

"Mr. Risch would be a formidable opponent," Shealy said.

Read more about Shealy's thoughts about his current job on the city council, and his opinions of certain city issues, in the 4/25/2007 issue of Boise Weekly.