| Hollings' seat may lure new hopeful GREENVILLE, S.C. - Former Lt. Gov. Bob Peeler says he's been asked to run for the U.S. Senate and is considering joining the crowded Republican field. "I've had a lot of people from all walks of life ask me if I would consider the Senate. It is interesting, and I told them I'd consider it, and that's what I'm doing," said Mr. Peeler, 51. A decision would be made "fairly shortly," he said. "I'm excited about the possibilities, but I just started the process," Mr. Peeler said. Democratic U.S. Sen. Ernest "Fritz" Hollings said earlier this month that he would not seek another term to the seat he's held since 1966. Mr. Peeler's entry would match him against former Attorney General Charlie Condon, one of his rivals from last year's rough-and-tumble gubernatorial primary. Mr. Condon picked up 15.6 percent of the primary vote. Mr. Peeler had 37.6 percent, a showing that put him in a runoff with Mark Sanford, who had 38.6 percent of the primary vote. Observers have said Mr. Peeler's reliance on ads targeting Mr. Sanford led to his defeat in the runoff two weeks later. Mr. Peeler left the race with a $375,000 campaign debt, but that was covered several weeks ago through a fund raiser. "I think I've got some things to offer," Mr. Peeler said, but he declined to say what would set him apart from the field. "There are good people running, they're friends of mine, but we'd talk about trade, we'd talk about jobs." Apart from Mr. Condon, three other Republicans are in the race: U.S. Rep. Jim DeMint of Greenville, considered by many as the front-runner; Charleston developer Thomas Ravenel; and Myrtle Beach Mayor Mark McBride. "I know if I get in, I'll be an underdog," Mr. Peeler said. State Education Superintendent Inez Tenenbaum and Columbia Mayor Bob Coble are seeking the Democratic nomination for Mr. Hollings' seat.
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