Former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina (R) told reporters in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday that despite recently undergoing breast cancer surgery and taking a part-time post as chairwoman of the Technology Policy Institute, she is still “seriously considering— running for Senate in 2010.

Fiorina, 54, who is scheduled to begin chemotherapy next week, said she plans to maintain a busy schedule despite her illness. A top economic adviser to Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in his White House bid last year, Fiorina is considered the Republicans’ strongest potential challenger to three-term Sen. Barbara Boxer (D).

“I’ve worn many hats for some time now,— she said, according to an account in the San Jose Mercury News. “I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in the political community, the policy community and business, and that’s a great advantage. I understand all those realms.—

Fiorina said she did not have a timetable for deciding whether to enter the race. State Assemblyman Chuck DeVore is the only Republican running right now.

The Sacramento Bee reported that Boxer used Fiorina’s latest statements on a possible Senate bid for a last-minute fundraising appeal before the end of the first quarter. Noting that “Fiorina reportedly received more than $150 million during her time at HP,— Boxer campaign consultant Rose Kapolczynski wrote, “We need to make sure that Barbara Boxer has all the resources she needs to compete against Carly Fiorina’s deep pockets, while showing the press and pundits that Barbara’s campaign is off to a strong, early start.—