Zeldin mulls challenge against Bishop

State Sen. Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) expects to decide within several weeks if he will run for Congress next year, according to high-level political sources.

Major donors and the national Republican campaign committee have wooed Zeldin to challenge Rep. Tim Bishop (D-Southampton). The sources say he'd have to commit soon to raise funds for what will likely be a multimillion-dollar race.

If he makes the run, Zeldin would have to forgo re-election and couldn't use the $205,000 already raised for his state seat. He may also incur wrath from State Senate Republican officials who invested in helping him win the job he holds. Sources say former GOP Assemb. Dean Murray expressed interest in succeeding Zeldin if he runs for the House.-- Rick Brand