Sen. Greg Brower throws hat in ring for congressional seat

Sam Morris / Las Vegas Sun

Sens. John Lee, left, and Greg Brower talk before a meeting of the Senate Select Committee on Economic Growth and Employment during the 2011 legislative session, Feb. 9, 2011, in Carson City.

Associated Press

Friday, April 22, 2011 | 12:44 p.m.

State Sen. Greg Brower is tossing his hat into the ring for Nevada's 2nd Congressional District race to replace Republican Rep. Dean Heller in the likely event Heller is appointed by the governor to the Senate.

Brower announced his intention early Friday, less than a day after the election scramble began with word that U.S. Sen. John Ensign will resign effective May 3.

Heller had already announced his run for Ensign's Senate seat next year. He was quickly endorsed by Gov. Brian Sandoval, leading to speculation he will appoint Heller to the vacancy.

That would set up a special election to fill Heller's empty House seat.

Republican Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki says he is also considering the House race and will decide soon.