COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Former Gov. David Beasley
expects to make an announcement next week on whether he will
join the race for the U.S. Senate.
Back in November, a group of legislators and friends began
an effort to push Beasley to run in the Republican primary for
the seat U.S. Sen. Ernest "Fritz" Hollings, D-S.C., will
retire from in 2005.
Beasley has said he has been weighing the decision
carefully and considering how it will affect his wife, Mary
Wood, and their four children.
The Republican primary field already is crowded. Former
state Attorney General Charlie Condon, U.S. Rep. Jim DeMint of
Greenville, Myrtle Beach Mayor Mark McBride and Charleston
real estate developer Thomas Ravenel are seeking the
nomination. Democrats seeking the seat are state Education
Superintendent Inez Tenenbaum and Camden native Marcus Belk.
Beasley said Friday that he may attend the South Carolina
Business and Industry Political Education Committee meeting
next Wednesday in Columbia. The meeting will include a debate
among the six declared U.S. Senate candidates.
However, "I will not participate in the forum because I'm
not a candidate yet," Beasley said.
The former governor said he will announce his decision in
the latter part of next week.
