National Republicans are taking a swing at Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich (D) before he even decides whether to get into the Senate race. The National Republican Senatorial Committee has set up a Web site, begichbaggage.com, which it says is designed to alert voters about Begich’s political past.

Although Begich has yet to say whether he’ll get into the Senate race, national Democrats have been wooing him for much of the election cycle and see the popular mayor as their best chance of defeating embattled Sen. Ted Stevens (R).

Stevens has held onto his Senate seat for 40 years. However, recent ethical concerns including an FBI investigation have jeopardized his chances for a seventh term.
— Shira Toeplitz