Aurora City Councilman Ryan Frazier is seriously considering a run for U.S. Senate in 2010, testing his ability to raise the millions of dollars needed to challenge Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet.

Frazier, a black Republican, has met with GOP movers and shakers in Washington, D.C., and Colorado.

"There are a lot of options I need to look at and a lot of things I need to consider before I make a definite decision," he said.

Financing a campaign is among those considerations.

"I'm going through the motions and paces right now to see if I can raise the money," he said. "I think we can put together a winning campaign. I'm moving in that direction."

Also signaling an interest in the Senate is Bob Beauprez, former congressman for the 7th District who lost to Gov. Bill Ritter in 2006. A spokesman for Beauprez could not be reached for comment.

Dick Wadhams, chairman of the Colorado Republican Party, said he expects "several qualified candidates to run for U.S. Senate."

As for Frazier, he said, "I've watched Ryan speak at meetings in recent weeks across the state and he has a charisma people are warming up to. I think he will be a formidable candidate."

Frazier, 31, was elected to an at-large seat on the Aurora City Council in 2003 and was re-elected in 2007. He drew the wrath of labor unions after pushing an initiative that would have banned agreements requiring workers to pay for union representation. Voters rejected the measure in November.

Frazier's candidacy would set the GOP on a new course of inclusiveness and tap a desire among Republicans for "a fresh face and a nontraditional candidate," said political analyst Katy Atkinson.

Frazier has begun to rally his base as he speaks to party activists statewide during reorganizational meetings, Wadhams said.

"The key component of mounting a successful run for U.S. Senate is to enthuse the Republican base," he said.