Carlos Henriquez, who ran against and lost to embattled Boston City Councilor Chuck Turner in 2007, is mulling a run for the council's 7th District seat again in 2009.

"I have been considering since 2007 - running again in 2009," Henriquez told PolitickerMA.com. "I haven't come to a definite decision yet in light of what is going on right now. It is something that I have been considering regardless of what has happened in the neighborhood."

Henriquez was defeated by Turner in 2007 by 63 percent but noted that many successful politicians lose in their first race. After the loss, Henriquez said he immediately began planning for another run and has continued reaching out to the community.

"I have been operating under the intention of running since the end of the last campaign," he said.

Since Turner's recent arrest for allegedly accepting a $1,000 bribe and lying about it, Henriquez said between two and three dozen members of the community have called him asking him to run and some observers say Henriquez would immediately become the frontrunner if Turner doesn't seek re-election.

Turner's recent legal troubles have raised the question of whether he will be able to defend his seat next year. Turner has maintained his innocence and has offered no intention of stepping down from his seat or not seeking re-election.

Henriquez said he believes relatively few challengers will emerge if Turner seeks re-election despite his legal troubles.

"A lot of people are interested in the seat, but don't want to run against Chuck," Henriquez said.

Henriquez said Turner continues to have a "cult-like following" in the district despite his arrest. But should Turner step down or decide against running again in 2009, Henriquez said many will jump into the race.

"If Chuck does not seek re-election then I think a lot more people will emerge," Henriquez said.