Saying he learned much from the stumbles that ended his gubernatorial re-election campaign in 1998, Beasley told a crowded hotel ballroom he felt a "calling" to return to public service.

"It's like old times," the 46-year-old Beasley told more than 100 supporters, including many Republicans currently in the Legislature.

Flanked by his wife and children, Beasley said he made his decision in the last few days.

"On a personal level we agreed we missed public service, maybe more than we realized. But more importantly, we began to focus on the crisis we're facing in America today."

Beasley joins four other Republicans who are months ahead of him in terms of organization and fund-raising.

Although Beasley carries the baggage of losing his '98 re-election bid to Democrat Jim Hodges, supporters say his most critical detractors that year, Confederate flag supporters and the video gambling industry, have since gone dormant.

On several occasions Wednesday, Beasley made reference to those two groups and his loss, including a jab at the millions of dollars spent to defeat him by the video gambling industry that Beasley wanted to shut down. He also alienated Confederate flag supporters by unilaterally announcing plans to take the flag off the Statehouse dome. "Of course, certain decisions I made cost me politically," he said, adding "looking back, I should have done a better job communicating our positive message. But in my heart I know we did the right thing. These are lessons in politics you only learn from adversity."

State Sen. Mike Fair, R-Greenville, said Beasley should get a fresh slate with Republican voters in 2004. "The video poker crowd is a bit different than the Confederate flag crowd. They won't be voting (in a Republican primary)," Fair said. "The Confederate flag people, their gripe should be with the General Assembly."

Some of the other Republicans seeking the nomination for the seat being vacated by the retirement of Democrat Fritz Hollings politely noted Beasley's entry but added they were ready to debate with him on who can best serve the state.

"I welcome David into the fray," said Charleston developer Thomas Ravenel.

"I look forward to a healthy competition of ideas," said former Attorney General Charlie Condon of Sullivan's Island. Other Republicans in the race are U.S. Rep. Jim DeMint of Greenville and Myrtle Beach Mayor Mark McBride. Republicans will vote on a nominee in a June primary.

Although Beasley made note of the war on terrorism and the importance of preserving a GOP majority in the Senate, his announcement was short on platform specifics. Those issues will be addressed later this month during a statewide tour.

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