Posted on 08/21/2002 5:49:08 AM PDT by GraniteStateConservative
By MARSHA SHULER
mshuler@theadvocate.com
Capitol news bureau
Gov. Mike Foster is considering becoming a late entry into this fall's U.S. Senate race, the chairman of the state Republican Party said Tuesday.
Republican Party Chairwoman Pat Brister said she talked to Foster after hearing rumors that the two-term Republican governor could join a field of GOPers trying to oust Democratic U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu.
"He confirmed he is thinking about it," Brister said. "Several people have called him and asked him to consider it."
Foster, who must leave the Governor's Office in January 2004, did not return phone calls seeking comment.
Qualifying begins today and ends Friday for the Nov. 5 U.S. Senate election. If a run-off is required, it would be held Dec. 7.
Landrieu, a former state treasurer and lawmaker, is seeking a second six-year term.
Republicans are trying to defeat Landrieu as part of national party efforts to end razor-thin control of the U.S. Senate by Democrats.
Foster, who has won election by wide margins and has had strong approval ratings in voter polls, would be the fourth announced Republican candidate.
Three Republicans who have been campaigning are: U.S. Rep. John Cooksey of Monroe, state Rep. Tony Perkins of Pride and state Elections Commissioner Suzanne Haik Terrell of New Orleans.
Republican officials have also been talking to David Thibodaux, a Lafayette Parish School Board member who has run for Congress.
The Republican strategy in Louisiana involves fielding several Republican elected officials from different parts of the state to attract votes and force Landrieu into a runoff.
The theory goes that Landrieu would be more vulnerable in a runoff election in which Republican President Bush could get involved to help her opponent.
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