Former state Assemblyman Dean Andal (R) said in an interview Wednesday that he is leaning toward running for the Republican nomination to the 11th district and the right to challenge freshman Rep. Jerry McNerney (D) in November 2008.

Andal is in Washington, D.C., this week to discuss his potential candidacy with Republican Members, political action committees and National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Tom Cole (Okla.), among others. Andal said he expects to make a formal announcement in May, and possibly will hold his first major fundraiser in June.

The 11th district is expected to be one of the top NRCC targets in the 2008 elections.

Andal described himself as a conservative, anti-tax Republican, and said he originally was inspired to enter public service by former President Ronald Reagan.

Andal most recently served in state office in 2002, when he wrapped up an eight-year stint on the state Board of Equalization, California’s elected tax oversight panel. But he has remained politically active in the Republican-leaning Central Valley district since then.

He currently serves on a local school board.

In addition to Andal, Republican state Assemblymen Greg Aghazarian, Guy Houston and Alan Nakanishi also are said to be considering a run for the 11th district seat.

— David M. Drucker