Nevada Rep. Dean Heller said Wednesday he believes most voters have made up their minds in the contest between Harry Reid and Sharron Angle, and that the outcome will come down to 5,000 votes. He also said both candidates have time to “change their message” or “invent themselves” if necessary, and that Angle can win, but has an uphill climb.

Heller avoided a question about his plans in 2012, saying he is focused on getting re-elected to another term in NV-2. Heller said he does not know if incumbent Sen. John Ensign intends to seek re-election. Both Heller and Rep. Shelley Berkley, a Democrat, are considered potential candidates for Ensign’s seat.

“This is not a safe time to take your election for granted,” Heller said on the Nevada Newsmakers television program. “So we’re going to work on this election and worry about some senate race down the road at a future time.”