With rumours circling the Island that Premier Ewart Brown could be just weeks away from calling an election a number of senior MPs are pondering their political future.

Government whip and parliamentary veteran Ottiwell Simmons said he was still undecided whether he would run again for the Progressive Labour Party in his safe Pembroke seat.

He told The Royal Gazette: “It’s still a matter under consideration. I am discussing it with my party.”

More than 70 people have put their names forward to stand for the PLP in 36 seats.

Last time the PLP had far less interest and had to run Delaey Robinson, who was retiring from his St. George’s seat, in the the UBP safe seat of Paget East.

Some political insiders claim a number of MPs are under threat as hopefuls loyal to Premier Ewart Brown scramble for winnable seats.

Sitting St. George’s MP Dean Foggo is being challenged by former United Bermuda Party candidate E. Michael Jones for the PLP nomination.

Former Premier Alex Scott said he was putting his name forward to run again in his Warwick stronghold.

Asked about a pro-Brown hit list he said: “I can’t honestly say I have heard folks are encouraging people not to stand or are pushing them aside. The only thing I can say is it’s competitive.

“You are inevitably going to hear that someone was unhappy about what happened. Folks will be using their political savvy, support and contacts.

“I have not heard of a list of folks being pushed aside however I might put down the phone and the next thing I know I am one of those. I won handily — maybe folks will want to introduce a young person.”

He said the Premier might be tempted to go for a July poll when most of the students are back just as Jennifer Smith did in 2003 when the PLP won its second term in office. That election campaign was the longest Bermuda has seen in recent history with six weeks set aside for canvassing.

Legislation to introduce the new 36 seat single member constituencies allows for a minimum of 31 days campaigning, but the Premier can extend it beyond that.

An election must be held within three months after the expiry of the five-year parliament.

Parliamentary Registrar Randy Scott said the five years is up on October 31, 2008 meaning Bermudians might not go to the polls until early 2009.

However with the Opposition struggling to get over internal strife most pundits believe Dr. Brown will make the most of his chances and go sometime this year.