Attorney Ben Lange (R-Iowa) is considering a second attempt to oust Rep. Bruce Braley (D).

“We formed our exploratory committee for 2012,” Lange said in a Wednesday phone interview. “We’re just going to test the waters to see if the support is out there for another run against Bruce Braley.”

Braley’s 1st district includes some reliably Democratic territory, so it will be a challenge for any Republican contender. Lange lost to Braley by only 2 points last year when Republicans performed well nationally.

Republicans are encouraged by Lange’s foray into a second bid. National Republican Congressional Committee Recruitment Vice Chairman Steve Scalise (La.) met with Lange in Iowa in August to discuss the race.

Businessman Steve Rathje is also running for the GOP nomination.