GETTING TO 60:

Buzz Mounts, GOP Downplays Hoeven Bid (Reid Wilson, 12/09/09, Hotline)

Could GOPers be on the verge of putting another top Dem on the defensive?

We're hearing a new round of buzz over ND Gov. John Hoeven (R), a very popular 3-term incumbent who, at just 52 years old, may not be finished with politics quite yet. He has turned down a Senate bid before, but this time he may take the bait and challenge Sen. Byron Dorgan (D).