Grand Junction, Colorado - Republican Josh Penry of Grand Junction says he will decide over the holidays whether to run for re-election to his state Senate seat after he dropped out of the race for governor.

Penry ended his bid for the GOP gubernatorial nomination two weeks ago, saying Republican Scott McInnis has a better chance to beat Democratic Gov. Bill Ritter.

Penry said McInnis, a former congressman, has better name recognition and more money.

Penry served on McInnis' congressional staff but hasn't endorsed him for governor.

Penry was elected to the state Senate in 2006 after serving one term in the state House. He's currently the Senate minority leader.

Penry said Friday he would return money donated to his gubernatorial campaign to the contributors.

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Information from: The Daily Sentinel, http://www.gjsentinel.com