Word is that former Republican State Sen. John Loudon of Chesterfield, who lost a bid for state auditor in the 2006 primary, is interested in running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Kit Bond.

Loudon, a social conservative, would appeal to the state’s evangelical base, though may have trouble muscling out party heavyweights like Roy Blunt and Peter Kinder.

Speaking of party heavyweights: Politico reports that former U.S. Sen. Jim Talent — who lost his own seat in 2006 to Claire McCaskill — may try a return to Capitol Hill.