This morning I had a chance to interview Kirk Lippold, who is likely to run against Sharron Angle for the Nevada Congressional seat being vacated by Rep. Dean Heller (who is running to replace retiring Sen. John Ensign).
(Aside from being a likely candidate, Lippold was also the commanding officer of the USS Cole when it al Qaeda attacked it in the port of Aden, Yemen).
On a possible run against Angle, Lippold told me: “There’s a lot of talent out there…but I don’t consider Sharron Angle to be anointed in any way.”
When asked how he may differ with Angle politically, he said: “I am as conservative as she is [but] you have to be electable in a General Election, as well.”
Lippold also told me the attack on the Cole “focused” him and made him appreciate that he is willing to do whatever it takes to defend America.
Earlier this week, Angle — who narrowly lost the GOP primary against Heller in 2006 — posted a web video announcing her candidacy. Other candidates, including Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki, are expected also seek this open seat, which is viewed as being in a safe Republican district.