Conservative economist and media figure Larry Kudlow says he’s talked to national Republicans about running for Senate in Connecticut.  

During an interview on his radio program with Rep. Peter Roskam, R-Ill., over the weekend, Kudlow said he would mount a challenge to incumbent Sen. Richard Blumenthal if the Democrat supports the international agreement with Iran over its nuclear program.  

“Maybe I’m speaking out of school Peter but … if Sen.Richard Blumenthal votes with Obama on Iran, I’m going to run against him. I’m going to run against him for the Senate,” Kudlow said. “The national Senate campaign committee has come to me and talked to me about it. They polled. I’m not a political guy, I’m an economist. I’m a broadcaster by profession, but I am so angry at this issue, among others.  

“Blumenthal’s a big taxer to begin with. He along with [Connecticut Gov. Dannel P.] Malloy have destroyed the state of Connecticut’s economy because of their tax and spend and regulate, but you know what, Peter, to some extent this Iranian thing is more important.”  

National Review reported earlier this summer that Kudlow and the National Republican Senatorial Committee had discussions about a Senate bid in either New York or Connecticut, but neither side confirmed it on the record in that report. Since then, Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., has announced he is against the Iran deal.  

Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon become the 31st member to announce support for the Iran Deal on Sunday, meaning the White House is just three votes short of the total needed to ensure that a veto of a disapproval resolution is sustained.  

Blumenthal was still undecided on the agreement as of Sunday, his office told CQ Roll Call.  

The NRSC did not immediately return a request for comment about conversations with Kudlow.  

This is not the first time Kudlow’s name has surfaced in connection to the seat now held by Blumenthal. Kudlow  flirted with the idea of challenging then-Sen. Christopher J. Dodd back in the 2o1o campaign before Dodd announced he would retire.  

“This evening, I’m letting the world know that I am not running for the U.S. Senate. And here’s why: In my heart I know that I belong right here at CNBC,” Kudlow said on his television program in March 2009.  

On his radio show with Roskam on Saturday, Kudlow said, “We’re talking about world security, national security. They’re coming to get us, and Iran will finance them. Folks gotta stand up everywhere and run. I’m telling ya, citizens movement. Run against people who support this terrible Iranian deal. This is a citizens militia movement, that’s what I think it is.”  

“Well Larry, if you’re in, I’m in for you,” Roskam replied.  

The Connecticut Senate race is rated Safe Democratic by the Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report/Roll Call.  

Related:

Kudlow Won’t Run for Dodd’s Senate Seat


White House Slams ‘Pro-War’ Rally Featuring Trump, Cruz


Tom Carper Brings Count of Iran Deal Supporters to 30


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