Nevada GOP contender pays respect to Sen. Ensign

Nevada Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki (R) said he will consider in "the coming days" whether to run for the seat being vacated by Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.).

Ensign announced Monday he wouldn't seek a third term. The GOP primary for the open seat is expected to be highly competitive, with Rep. Dean Heller (R-Nev.), former Senate candidate Sharron Angle and others mulling runs.

Krolicki was considered a contender for the nomination to face Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (Nev.) last cycle but decided against a bid. At the time, observers thought that was because he considered a challenge to Ensign to be more likely to succeed.

On Monday, Krolicki called Ensign "a respected conservative voice."

"Today is a day when all Nevadans should be grateful to Senator Ensign for his consistent and conservative votes in the United States Senate and thankful for his willingness to serve our state and our country," he said in a statement.

The release noted that "he and his family will consider opportunities to best serve the people of Nevada" in the coming days.