Adviser: Mihos mulling Senate bid

By Frank Phillips, Globe Staff

Republican Christy Mihos is seriously considering dropping his campaign for governor to run for the US Senate seat of Edward M. Kennedy, a senior adviser to Mihos confirmed today, a pivot that would reshape the two most high-profile political campaigns in Massachusetts.

Christy Mihos

Mihos, who made millions by selling a string of convenience stores, is expected to announce his decision within days. If he shifts gears and runs for Senate, the move would help the GOP avoid a divisive gubernatorial primary and encourage the party rank-and-file to rally behind former health care executive Charles D. Baker.

His entry into the Senate race would add a well-known name to a growing Republican field.

"This is a decision that is all but finalized," said the adviser, who asked for anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.

Mihos, who has had a rocky relationship with the Republican Party since he ran for governor in 2006 as an independent, is in talks with Republicans in Washington trying to line up support for a potential Senate bid, the adviser said.

But he's hardly the only Republican running. State Senator Scott Brown is on the cusp of jumping in the race, and Canton Selectman Bob Burr has said he will also run.

News of Mihos's possible Senate bid comes amid a frenzy of activity in the race, with several current or former members of Congress announcing their plans to run or take a pass.