The Hill News

Sen. George LeMieux (R-Fla.) said he'll decide in the first half of next year about whether to challenge Sen. Bill Nelson (D) in 2012.

LeMieux, whose appointment to the Senate is coming to an end with Nov. 2's election, said he hadn't made up his mind about whether to try to return to the upper chamber.

"No decisions have been made. I've been very honored to represent the people of Florida in the United States Senate," LeMieux said in a short video interview with the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "But what I'm really focused on now is finishing strong, making sure that I'm hearing the people of Florida, because we have important votes before the end of the year."

LeMieux was appointed to the Senate by Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (I) following the sudden resignation of Sen. Mel Martinez (R). LeMieux, an adviser to Crist, had agreed to take the seat as a Republican placeholder until a full election to replace Martinez could be held this! fall.

Since then, LeMieux has said he's enjoyed his time in the Senate, and might be interested in returning down the line. He distanced himself from Crist after the governor bolted the GOP to wage an independent bid for Senate.

Nelson would be a tough opponent for LeMieux if the Democrat runs for reelection in 2012. The Republican said he would know for sure whether he'll run by June of 2011.

"Next year, my wife and I will sit down â€" we've got to think about our family, too," he said. "I don't know when it's required, but sometime in the first half of next year, if I am going to take a run at it, I would have to make a decision."

LeMieux said he was "sure" voters would know his intentions by then.