Grijalva: 'Distinct possibility' Rep. Giffords runs for Senate

Arizona Rep. Raul Grijalva (D) said he has no plans to run for Senate but there's the "distinct possibility" that Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) will mount a bid.

Giffords has been recovering from a gunshot wound to the head since she was attacked on Jan. 8 at an event in Tucson. The third-term congresswoman told staff before the shooting that she planned to run for Senate if Sen. Jon Kyl retired.

The Republican announced last week he wouldn't seek reelection and Grijalva admitted that many Arizona Democrats pinned their hopes to Giffords winning the seat.

"That was a lot of our expectations," Grijalva told The Ballot Box on Tuesday. "Given her progress, I see that as still a distinct possibility. I think she would be formidable; she's a moderate to conservative person."

Grijalva said he planned to visit Giffords in two weeks when he flies through Texas on his way home to Arizona. The congresswoman is currently rehabilitating at a facility in Houston.

"I'm going to try to stop by," said Grijalva, but he doubted they'd talk politics.