GOP buzzing about possible Jason Lewis run for Congress

First he was Minnesota's Mr. Right, later becoming America's Mr. Right.

Now Republicans in Minnesota are buzzing about the possibility of former radio show host Jason Lewis becoming a candidate for Congress in 2016.

Lewis is contemplating a run for Congress in Minnesota's Second Congressional District, according to multiple sources.

Incumbent Congressman John Kline announced earlier this month that he would not seek re-election to Congress next year, creating an opportunity for Democrats and Republicans to battle for an open seat in the Second Congressional District.

In response to a request for comment, Lewis declined to speak yet about a possible run for Congress, writing "...not right now." But Lewis added, "[y]ou'll be hearing something soon, however."

Lewis' website is encourage people to vote whether Lewis should run for public office in 2016, start a new paid subscription podcast program, or continue to offer "intermittent" commentary.

The unscientific poll results currently show 57 percent of respondents want Lewis to be a candidate in 2016.

Mike Osskopp, who served in the Minnesota House of Representatives, worked for Kline, and also on numerous Republicans campaigns, said Lewis would put much needed "fire" into the Republican race to replace Kline.

"He would energize Republicans in a way the other current candidates are not," said Osskopp.

Republican David Gerson, who challenged Kline in 2012 and 2014, announced in January he was running for Congress again in 2016. Former State Senator John Howe, R-Red Wing, announced his candidacy last week.

If Lewis runs for Congress, it would not be his first time as a candidate for public office. In 1990, Lewis ran for Congress in Colorado's Second Congressional District, challenging incumbent Democratic Rep. David Skaggs.

Skaggs defeated Lewis, winning over 60 percent of the vote in the general election.

Earlier this month, Lewis published a tweet with a picture of a "Jason Lewis for Congress" campaign banner.

Lewis, who lives in Woodbury, has been mentioned as a possible candidate for public office before in Minnesota.

Lewis decided against challenging U.S. Senator Al Franken for re-election in 2014 and Lewis has been considered a possible candidate for the Minnesota Legislature or as a congressional candidate in another district.

Rep. Tony Albright, R-Prior Lake, former Rep. Pam Myhra, R-Burnsville, former Sen. Ted Daley, R-Eagan, and Chris Andryski, a CPA from Savage, are also considered possible Republican congressional candidates in the district.

Angie Craig and Mary Lawrence are the only two announced Democratic candidates for Congress. Rep. Joe Atkins, DFL-Inver Grove Heights, announced in an email earlier this month that he is considering a run for Congress.

Craig was recently endorsed by winning women, an organization which works to "elect pro-choice women candidates at every level of office, from Park Board to President of the United States."

Picture source: Jason Lewis