Sheila Copps is being wooed to run for the New Democrats in the next federal election -- and she isn't ruling it out, says a report.

The former cabinet minister and two-time Liberal leadership contender has spoken with NDP Leader Jack Layton, the Canadian Press reports. She told them she didn't rule out the possibility of switching parties.

"I've always figured when a door closes, another door opens, and I wouldn't rule anything out in politics," Copps said.

Copps ran a distant second to Prime Minister Paul Martin in last fall's Liberal leadership contest. Martin later decided not to offer her a cabinet position.

Martin's new Transport Minister Tony Valeri, is planning to challenge Copps for the Liberal nomination in her riding of Hamilton East-Stoney Creek.

Copps, a stalwart supporter of former prime minister Jean Chretien -- has complained that Martin supporters seem determined to poach her turf and drum her out of politics.

Copps says she has asked Martin to tell Valeri to back off, but the prime minister has refused, arguing that the contest is "a local matter."

Copps said Wednesday that Layton called her to chat about her struggle.

"I thought it was very generous of him to call, and we had a good chat, and we just kind of agreed to keep lines of communication open."

Copps has also complained about Martin's leadership, telling CTV's Question Period that he's moving the Liberal Party away from its centrist position, and is offering his caucus little room for open debate.