LEWISTON — Steve Abbott confirmed Tuesday a rumor that has been circulating among many Republicans and bloggers for weeks: he is seriously considering a gubernatorial bid.

Abbott, who serves as Sen. Susan Collins' chief of staff, would be running as a Republican.

"I've had a number of people talk to me about running for governor, and it's something that I'm taking very seriously," he said during a phone interview Tuesday.

Abbott said he'll take the fall and early winter to weigh the decision before making an official announcement in January. 

"(My wife and I) have a 9-year-old and a 5-year-old, and I've got a job, so it's finding the right balance and figuring out the impact it would have on the family," he said. "I just want to take a look at what I could add to the race and what kind of contribution I think I could make."

Motivating his run would be his love of Maine, Abbott said.

"I've lived here all my life, and I think this is a great state that's going through some tough times, and it's important for everybody to do their part to help out. I want to figure out how I can make the best contribution in that effort," he said. Abbott grew up in Orono and now lives in Portland.

There are currently six Republican candidates who have filed their intentions with the state to take a run at the Blaine House, and a total of 21 candidates registered so far.

rmetzler@sunjournal.com