Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), who won a third term in November in a race that was closer than many Republicans would have liked, is expected to create an exploratory committee for a possible run for state attorney general in 2010, two Texas media outlets reported Thursday evening.

The current attorney general, Greg Abbott (R), is contemplating running for lieutenant governor next year – or for Senate if Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R) resigns early to pursue a gubernatorial bid.

By creating an exploratory committee, McCaul can begin raising money for the statewide race in greater sums than federal campaign law allows.

He won a third term by defeating attorney Larry Joe Doherty (D), 54 percent to 43 percent. The GOP-leaning 10th district extends from the Austin area to the Houston suburbs. While the Republican nominee would likely be favored in an open-seat race, it would not be as easy for the GOP to hold the seat next year if McCaul is seeking another office.