Looks like Dems are going to have to keep looking for someone to challenge vulnerable GOP Senator Gordon Smith next year.

One of the most promising candidates who was thinking of challenging Smith — Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) — has just announced that he won't be making the run. One the Blue Oregon Web site, Blumenauer himself has posted the following:

"At this unique moment in history there is too much work to be done in the House of Representatives to take on a campaign for the U.S. Senate. The winning candidate should devote 100 percent effort for the next 18 months to overcome the onslaught that will come from the incumbent, Karl Rove and the Bush White House, and the many special interests who want to keep Smith in office."

This leaves Dems without a top-tier challenger to Smith after multiple recruitment attempts, including a recent failed effort to convince Rep. Peter DeFazio to mount a bid.