Is it contradictory for Smith to run against Wyden in 2010?

It's been a mere two weeks since the November elections and the the GOP is already looking ahead to 2010 and "rebuilding" their party.  According to The Next Right, a website dedicated to building "a new Republican Party and conservative movement," the primary battleground for Republicans in 2010 is in the US Senate.  In Oregon, potential candidates mentioned to take on incumbent Democrat Sen. Ron Wyden include Sen. Gordon Smith, Rep. Greg Walden and perennial candidate Kevin Mannix.  Republican sources to the Inside Edge indicate that while Mannix may remain on the list of potential candidates, there are "several names above his" who will be courted by the local and national GOP.

Some Republican operatives are holding onto the idea of Smith declaring a re-match against Wyden in 2010 (they first faced each other in 1996 when Bob Packwood vacated his seat), however, the practicality of such a race does not sit well with a few Oregon Republican consultants.  Part of Smith's strategy to win re-election was to run to the middle, which included several television and radio ads talking about his close working relationship with Wyden.  Some GOP activists think it might be too contradictory for Smith to brag about being Wyden's buddy and then run against him in 2010 as it would mean several attack ads against his former colleague and also facing both Wyden's campaign warchest and whatever the DSCC wants to throw at Smith again after spending $12.4 million in Oregon to bring Merkley to victory.  A rematch is certainly possible, but if Smith listens to those around him it's highly unlikely.

(Editor's Note: the Inside Edge was clued-in to the The Next Right website by a post on BlueOregon.)