By Abby Livingston, Roll Call – EMILY’s List President Stephanie Schriock has confirmed she is considering a bid for Montana’s newly open Senate seat in 2014.

Since Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., announced his retirement plans last week, Schriock has mostly kept quiet about the race — until she spoke with reporters at a Thursday event for EMILY’s List.“I have been overwhelmed by the interest in the Senate race,” said Schriock, a Montana native. “I think it came as a surprise to us Montanans. … I will say this, Montana has a great history of electing women. EMILY’s List has been involved a long time in Montana and I think, like you, I am waiting to see how this all plays out.”

But Schriock is not the only Democrat looking at the race. National Democrats are encouraging former Gov. Brian Schweitzer to run, and sources say he’s seriously considering a campaign.

The race has attracted more interest from Republicans since Baucus announced his plans. Roll Call contributing writer Stuart Rothenberg rates this race as a Tossup in the Rothenberg Report.

Freshman Rep. Steve Daines and former Gov. Marc Racicot top the GOP’s list of potential candidates for the seat. Two Republicans have already entered the race: state Rep. Champ Edmunds and former state Sen. Corey Stapleton.

EMILY’s List is an organization that backs female Democratic candidates who support abortion rights.

via EMILY’s List President Considering Senate Campaign in Montana #MTSEN | At the Races.