ILION, N.Y. (WKTV) - Richard Hanna, the former candidate for the 24th District congressman, attended an annual dinner in Herkimer County Wednesday alongside the New York State Republican Committee Chairman. The appearance sparked speculation about Hanna's future political plans.

When asked directly if Richard Hanna would run again for Congress, he said, "he has yet to make up his mind." However, the New York State Republican Party Committee Chairman, Edward Cox, said he expects Hanna to run again for congress.

"We have talked about it, and I think he is great candidate, and I expect him to run," Cox said.

Cox says at some point in the near future he expects Hanna to announce his candidacy against incumbent Democrat Michael Arcuri. However, Hanna would not commit.

"I am not saying no and I am not saying yes. It is a big decision, and frankly whether I do it or not is primarily personal reasons, very little to do with the actual job itself," said Hanna.

Hanna says he is in the process of making his decision, however he does have the "itch" to run again.

"I would love the opportunity to represent this district the way they deserve to be represented, yes that is something that has been on my mind for three years," Hanna said.

In 2008, Hanna took Arcuri to a post election ballot re-canvassing. It was his first attempt at public office, and the businessman from Cooperstown that nobody knew at the time almost pulled off the upset.

"If I knew then what I know now, I think I would have been more successful. Maybe another week would have made a difference, certainly it is fair to say I started late," added Hanna.

Hanna spent a lot of his own money on his 08' campaign, however Cox says if Hanna runs again, the party would back him financial more this time around because they believe he can win.

Hanna says if he does run again, he will announce it much sooner than later, avoiding the 2008 late announcement date of May.