U.S. Sen. Voinovich hedging on running in 2010

COLUMBUS (AP) — U.S. Sen. George Voinovich of Ohio is leaving open the possibility of not running for re-election in 2010.

Voinovich, 72, is thinking about the challenging economic situation in Ohio, the direction of the country and the best interests of his family, spokesman Chris Paulitz said Friday.

The senator would let the people of Ohio know quickly if he decides not to seek a third term, Paulitz said.

The Columbus Dispatch, citing sources, reported Friday that Voinovich had shuffled his fundraising team and told his staff he might not run again.

Voinovich also sent an e-mail to major donors telling them he’ll use a Sunday night conference call to discuss his plans for 2009 and 2010, The Plain Dealer reported Friday on its Web site.

Paulitz told The Associated Press he wouldn’t comment about the report.

“He’s going to be updating people periodically throughout the decision-making process,” Paulitz said. “He will continue to keep people abreast of what he’s thinking.”

Ohio Republican Party Chairman Bob Bennett told The Dispatch he had lunch with Voinovich in Cleveland on Dec. 23 and “the whole discussion was about him running in 2010 and how much money he had raised this year.”

“He’s running,” Bennett said. “I cannot imagine a scenario that he wouldn’t run.”