It's a name you've seen on the ballot before and may see again.

Former South Carolina governor David Beasley may run for the US Senate seat that Fritz Hollings is leaving.

Beasley says he'll let everyone know what his decision is next week.

He lost to Democrat Jim Hodges in 1998 in what many call a nasty race over video poker, the lottery, and the confederate flag.

If he enters the Republican Senate primary, it could be bad news for the other candidates, like Congressman Jim DeMint.

"It will be an uphill battle for DeMint," said Furman political science professor Danielle Vinson. "If Beasley gets in the race everybody's going to have to race more money."

Republicans already in the race are: DeMint, former state attorney general Charlie Condon, Myrtle Beach Mayor Mark McBride, and Charleston real estate developer Thomas Ravenel.

The Democratic field is filled by two: SC Education Superintendent Inez Tenenbaum and Camden native Marcus Belk.

There's a Senate debate in Columbia on Wednesday. And Beasley says he'll be there but won't participate.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.