Republicans likely face a tough battle against Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., in 2006, but so far they are reluctant to mention who might run now that Gov. John Hoeven has decided not to.

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem said he won't run for the job, hinting that he will probably run for re-election to his current position.

"Idon't want to ruin the suspense, but that's probably a pretty safe bet,"Stenehjem said.

Stenehjem was one of several Republicans contacted by the Tribune on Friday and asked about possible candidates. Stenehjem said Dennis Johnson, mayor of Dickinson, would make a good candidate.

Democrat Wayne Sanstead, superintendent of public instruction, said Insurance Commissioner Jim Poolman might be a candidate for the Republicans.

"He's certainly an up-and-coming candidate,"Sanstead said.

Poolman didn't hesitate to say he is not going to run for Senate.

"Not even for one second,"Poolman said when asked if he has considered it.

Jason Stverak, executive director of the Republican Party, said the party has contacted several possible candidates, but he would not name any of them.

Hoeven said he decided to make the announcement Friday so that other candidates can come forward.

"There's plenty of people who would really be good candidates,"Hoeven said.

State officials had varied reactions to Friday's news that Hoeven had decided not to challenge Conrad.

"Iwas shocked, Iactually thought personally that he was leaning towards doing it,"Poolman said.

Poolman said he wanted Hoeven to run because he thought Hoeven could beat Conrad. The last Republican to challenge Conrad was Duane Sand, who received less than 39 percent of the vote in 2000.

Stenehjem said Friday's announcement is a big deal for others who are considering the race.

"Nobody would have challenged the governor; he would have had the nomination,"Stenehjem said.

Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson said he was not surprised.

"Iwould have been surprised at this early date if he announced he was running,"Johnson said.

Rep. Earl Pomeroy, D-N.D., said he was glad that Hoeven decided not to run.

"I think the state wins when its senior elected officials are not running against each other,"Pomeroy said.

Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., said Hoeven made the right decision as governor and for the state.

Dorgan said he would like to see Conrad serve another term as a senator and that he appreciates that the Congressional delegation and Hoeven have been able to work together.

"In a small state like ours it's important to have the ability to work together,"Dorgan said.

Hoeven still dodges questions about his future political ambitions.

When asked if he would run for a third term as governor in 2008 he said he would not make predictions of what he will do in the future.

(Reach reporter Tom Rafferty at 223-8482 or tom.rafferty @;bismarcktribune.com.)