A speech to a group of students on June 6 sparked questions about the political plans of former Speaker of the House Jim Weiers, the current senator from District 10.

Rep. Linda Gray, R-Dist. 10, told a gathering of the Hugh O’Brian Leadership Group in the House — a speech that was broadcast on the House’s closed circuit television system — that because she is term-limited next year, she might consider running for the Senate.

Asked later about the comment, Ms. Gray said her decision depends on what Mr. Weiers decides to do.

“I yield to Mr. Weiers,” she said.

Mr. Weiers told Arizona Capitol Times he will announce whether he will seek re-election in 2004 after the current legislative session adjourns. He added, “I have told people Linda would do a good job here.”

Mr. Weiers served eight years in the House, including as speaker in 2001-2002. After his election to the Senate last year, he made a bid for Senate president, losing out to Sen. Ken Bennett, R-Dist. 1. Mr. Bennett appointed Mr. Weiers chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Ms. Gray, who has been in the House since 1997, is chairman of the House Education Committee.

“I have great respect for Senator Weiers,” she said. “He’s a great legislator. We’ve been asking each other, ‘What do you want to do≠’”