In a brief statement today, Murfreesboro State Senator Bill Ketron did not rule out a congressional challenge of a fellow Republican — a primary fight with freshman representative Scott DesJarlais.

This year the congressional map is expected to be redrawn to put Rutherford County in the fourth district, potentially giving Ketron leverage in the new, heavily populated areas of the district.

Ketron says he hasn’t created a campaign committee – yet – and wouldn’t say if he is ready to announce for the post. But he takes a broad geographic view of where he might fit in.

“Whether I’m in Washington or whether I’m in Tennessee, I’ll be working to make principles to beat President Obama. And either way.”

Ketron is widely expected to announce next week that he’ll be a candidate for the seat held by DesJarlais.

Ketron’s Senate neighbor, Jim Tracy, said today he would not be running for the congressional seat. Tracey, who lives in Bedford County, lost a bid for Congress two years ago in the race that landed Diane Black in the U.S. House.