Courtney's Name Is In the 2012 Senate Mix With Murphy's

WASHINGTON--John Olsen is having a King Solomon moment.

The Connecticut labor leader's dilemma doesn't involve two women and a baby. Instead, it involves two congressmen and a Senate seat.

That would be Reps. Joe Courtney and Chris Murphy, who represent Connecticut's 2nd and 5th districts respectively.

Both men were elected in 2006, defeating Republicans in tight races that naysayers predicted they would lose. And both men have gone on to win 3rd terms, and make their respective legislative marks, in Congress.

Now, both are eying the Senate seat held by Joe Lieberman, whose 4th term is up in 2012. Lieberman, a Democrat-turned-independent, hasn't said whether he will run again.

Even if he does, many Democrats think he's vulnerable to a strong challenge from the left. A challenge from someone like Murphy or Courtney.

At this point, neither Murphy nor Courtney-or any other candidates, for that matter--have made an official decision. Murphy appears to further along in the decision-making process-and he seems more likely to make the leap. But Courtney is also seriously considering his options.

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