In former state Sen. DeKruif, at least one potential challenger to Walz

Former Sen. Al DeKruif is strongly considering a run against U.S. Rep. Tim Walz for Minnesota's First Congressional District in the 2014 elections, according to the New Ulm Journal.

DeKruif served in the Minnesota state Senate from 2011-2012 before redistricting led him to not run for re-election.

DeKruif , who runs a business that handles permits and licensing for large-truck hauls, said he plans to finalize his decision in six weeks, the Journal reports. He tells the paper he is interested in running because he "very concerned" about the state of the country.

It's been a busy week in the land of Republicans who might try to unseat the four-term incumbent from Mankato who currently represents Minnesota's 1st District, DFLer Walz.

First, Jeremy Miller, a Republican state senator from Winona, said Thursday he was exploring a bid against Walz, as reported by the Winona Daily News and the LaCrosse Tribune. By Friday, the two-term state lawmaker had decided otherwise and announced to the Winona paper that he was dropping out of consideration.

Still, as the Daily News reports, sources with "direct knowledge" say at least four Republicans are looking to enter the race, with announcements coming in the next few weeks.