WOBURN - Woburn Alderman-at-Large Joanna Gonsalves is in a category of "considering it" when asked if she would be a repeat candidate for the vacated seat of Senator Robert Havern, D-Arlington, who announced his resignation this week.

Havern, whose resignation takes effect at the end of the month, represents the Fourth Middlesex District, which includes Woburn and Burlington.

Gonsalves faced Havern in the last election, and as she noted, "he won by 5,000 in Arlington, but if you take all the rest, it was 50-50!"

Right now, said Gonsalves, she's focusing on her own alderman-at-large race in Woburn on Nov. 6. She is seeking a fourth consecutive term on the City Council.

"I'm taking a step back and I'm watching it all with interest," said Gonsalves from her home on Wednesday.

In the last 48 hours, she added, the phone has been "ringing off the hook." "It's been an interesting 48 hours to say the least."

"I was swamped with calls when it was learned that he was stepping down," added Gonsalves.

"Right now, though, I've got to focus on running in Woburn for alderman-at-large."

Gonsalves said a decision on her part would come after Labor Day "in the early fall in September" if she were to toss her hat into the political ring.

"First, I've got to talk to my family and my supporters to see what is on their minds," she continued. "The calls I've been getting are ones that want me to take a serious look at it."

At this point, she said she wants to take a step back "and not just jump in." "I want to take a hard look at it."

The exact date of the first to two elections (if there are candidates in more than one party) has not been announced.

Gonsalves, like others, see state Rep. J. James Marzilli, D-Arlington, as a candidate and who has professed he is a candidate through blogs to supporters.