Former U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan is increasingly leaning towards running against Rep. Jason Altmire (D-Pa.), according to two Pennsylvania Republicans with first-hand knowledge of her budding campaign.

Buchanan is interviewing political consultants and will likely announce her campaign by the end of the month, the GOP sources said. Buchanan stepped down from her U.S. Attorney post in late October 2009 amidst rumors that she might challenge Altmire, but she has yet to make any kind of public statement about a bid.

Republicans have been salivating over Altmire’s district, which has been trending Republican in presidential races (54 percent for the GOP presidential nominee in 2004, 55 percent of the vote in 2008.) The national GOP unsuccessfully tried to recruit state Rep. Mike Turzai (R), to run against Altmire, and little-known attorney Keith Rothfus (R) is the only GOP candidate in the race until Buchanan announces her bid.