University of Colorado Regent Tom Lucero has announced he is considering challenging Democrat Betsy Markey in the 4th Congressional District in two years.

He has formed an exploratory committee.

"I want to thank those people who have unexpectedly called and encouraged me to run," Lucero said in a statement.

Lucero represents the 4th District on the CU Board of Regents. He noted that in his last election, in 2004, he won 72 percent of the vote.

Markey takes office next month after unseating U.S. Rep. Marilyn Musgrave, a Fort Morgan Republican.

Political observers expect a number of Republicans to consider running in 2010. In addition to Lucero, they include Rep. Cory Gardner, of Yuma; former state Treasurer Mark Hillman; Weld County District Attorney Ken Buck and Sen. Greg Brophy, of Wray.