Rep. Lampson won’t run vs. Sen. Cornyn; attorney sets up exploratory committee

Rep. Nick Lampson (D-Texas) will not run against Sen. John Cornyn (R) in 2008 and instead will run for reelection to the House, according to the Austin American-Statesman.

{mosads}The American-Statesman also reported that San Antonio attorney Mikal Watts Friday will open an exploratory committee for a Senate bid.

Lampson’s decision to stick with the House is a win for House Democrats, who may have a difficult time holding the seat even with him in the race. The freshman’s district is heavily Republican, and his GOP opponent in 2006 had to run a write-in campaign.

Watts has hosted a Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee fundraiser and often has been mentioned as a potential candidate.

Other Democrats who have been mentioned as potential challengers include former state comptroller John Sharp and state Rep. Rick Noriega.