DES MOINES -- Challenging an incumbent governor who has led Iowa through a historic natural disaster and has shown his strength as a prolific campaign fundraiser might seem like a daunting task.

But a large field of potential GOP challengers is weighing the prospect of taking on Democratic Gov. Chet Culver as he seeks re-election to his second term next year. Those Republicans see a governor who is vulnerable as the state faces continued budget woes.

"I think there's just a sense that the state's adrift, that there's no strong leadership at a critical time. And so as a result of that, there's a lot of people looking at this possibility," said Doug Gross, a Des Moines lawyer and the party's 2002 nominee for governor.

Gross isn't running this time, but he sees a shot for a Republican next year. He cites the state's budget problems and Culver's $830 million I-Jobs plan, which will help pay for rebuilding roads, bridges and infrastructure and help communities struck by floods and natural disasters.

A large share of the I-Jobs package was funded through bonding, an approach that has brought heavy criticism from Republicans. Gross thinks Iowa voters will share those reservations.

"Iowans are historically pretty concerned about taking on debt, particularly in a time like this," Gross said.

Gross acknowledged Culver's skill at raising money and campaigning, but said he's not concerned that Republican candidates will be unable to match him. Culver has raised more than $2.6 million since his election in 2006, aides said.

Gross predicted it will be easier for a GOP candidate to raise money this time now that Democrats control the Legislature and the governor's office. A plan by Democratic lawmakers to eliminate a state tax deduction known as federal deductibility will also energize Republicans, Gross said.

"I think Republicans understand more than ever, the consequences of not having control of any parts of state government," Gross said.

Dennis Goldford, a professor of politics at Drake University, said Culver hasn't yet solidified his support as he seeks a second term and has his work cut out for him.

"That first re-election bid is always the toughest," Goldford said. "In other words, the question is, is that first election itself a fluke or was there real strength there?"

But he said Republicans also face challenges.

"They have to determine what kind of party they're going to be and whether in fact there's going to be a civil war in the party or not," Goldford said.

Republicans who say they're considering joining the race:

Bob Vander Plaats, who ran for governor in 2002 and 2006.

Vander Plaats has been one of the most visible Republicans considering a run next year and has formed an exploratory committee. Vander Plaats has been critical of Culver for not coming out in favor of a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage after an Iowa Supreme Court ruling legalized it.

State Rep. Rod Roberts of Carroll says he's seriously considering a run for governor and should make a decision this summer. The five-term member of the Iowa House describes himself as a social and fiscal conservative but cites an ability to work across party lines.

He acknowledges any Republican running against Culver will have to raise large amounts of cash to be competitive.

"That's a significant challenge," Roberts said.

State Rep. Christopher Rants of Sioux City said he has logged 4,500 miles meeting with activists and donors to raise the seed money needed to launch a campaign. He's expected to make a decision in early June, and said he has solid conservative credentials on both social and economic issues.

"If we're going to fly next November, we need to have both wings of the party in working order, and I think I can do that," Rants said.

Bettendorf businessman Mike Whalen said he "hasn't ruled it out, and I haven't ruled it in" and that the decision would depend in part on who else gets into the race.

"Right now, it looks like we're going to have a pretty good choice of candidates," Whalen said.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey said he hasn't made up his mind and expects to announce his decision this summer.

"I think certainly there's an opportunity for Republicans to put up a good challenge and to present a different view than the direction we're headed," Northey said.

U.S. Rep. Steve King of Kiron is keeping his options open.

"I don't go to bed at night thinking about it nor get up in the morning thinking about it," King said during an April television appearance.

Former state senator Jeff Lamberti said just months ago he would have been a definite "no" on the idea of running for governor. But he said he's now thinking about getting into the race because of the state's financial situation, which he said is heading toward a budget crisis.

"I think what the people of Iowa are looking for is somebody who's a strong leader and a strong manager," Lamberti said. He's set no firm deadline on when he'll make a decision.

Sen. Jerry Behn of Boone said he could make a decision in the next week.

"I'm just having to look at all the options -- it's just that simple," Behn said.

Some well-known Republicans have ruled out a run against Culver. State Auditor David Vaudt said last week he wouldn't get in the race and Ed Failor Jr., president of Iowans for Tax Relief, has ruled out a run.

Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Michael Kiernan called the GOP field at this point "very weak."

Kiernan points out two potential GOP candidates -- Whalen and Lamberti -- lost Congressional races in recent years.

Kiernan also brushes off criticism from Republicans that I-Jobs and the handling of the budget make Culver vulnerable next year.

"We're out here trying to solve problems, and the governor and the Legislature are putting people back to work, and investing in rebuilding this state," Kiernan said. "They have come up with no new solutions and no new ideas."