Hayworth raises money, toys with race against McCain

Former Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-Ariz.) emailed supporters today to say he's considering a primary against John McCain and to ask for funds to pay off his 2006 campaign debt.

"You have contacted me with words of encouragement following the release of a Rasmussen Reports Poll which finds me in a statistical dead heat with John McCain for the Republican nomination for the United States Senate in 2010," Hayworth wrote, referring to this poll.

"Miss Mary, our children, and I will do a lot of praying and a lot of talking in the days ahead, as we determine the best course of action to take for our nation and for our family," he continued.

Hayworth went on to invite supporters to a fundraiser with Sheriff Joe Arpaio, the controversial policeman who mounted a tough campaign against illegal immigrants in Arizona. The funds raised there would help Hayworth pay down his 2006 campaign debt.

That could either signal his intention to launch a campaign against McCain or simply represent Hayworth using the buzz from the Rasmussen poll to get back in the black.

Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) said today he doesn't think Hayworth will take on the state's senior senator.