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GOP Chairman to Discuss Senate Race With Camp #MISEN

Moran will speak with his former House colleague about a Senate run. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call File Photo)
Moran will speak with his former House colleague about a Senate run. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call File Photo)

National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Jerry Moran has yet to discuss a Senate bid with Michigan Rep. Dave Camp, but he said the Ways and Means chairman would be a “viable candidate” and he plans to reach out to him soon.

“I know Dave Camp very well. We served together in the House,” Moran told reporters in the Capitol on Thursday, noting that he planned to speak with the congressman by phone or in person in the next few days. “I’m very interested in having that conversation to see what his interest and issues are.”

Although they haven’t spoken yet, Moran said “there have been ongoing conversations” between Camp and NRSC staff. Camp revealed his interest in the race this week.

Camp’s candidacy — and $3 million war chest — would serve as a boon for Senate Republicans, who would like to expand the playing field and increase the party’s chances of winning the majority. Republicans need a net gain of six seats to take control of the Senate.

As things currently stand, Michigan is not among the top tier of competitive Senate races in 2014. Democratic Rep. Gary Peters is off to a fundraising head start in the race to replace retiring Democratic Sen. Carl Levin.

The lone Republican in the race is former Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land, and she is unlikely to step aside. Land released a statement Wednesday afternoon inviting the competition.

The race is currently rated Safe Democrat by Rothenberg Political Report/ Roll Call.

Niels Lesniewski contributed to this report.

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