Georgia labor chief leaning toward US Senate bid

ATLANTA — Georgia Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond said Friday that he's leaning toward a run for U.S. Senate.

The 57-year-old Democrat told The Associated Press he is strongly considering a challenge to Republican Sen. Johnny Isakson. Thurmond said his experience as labor commissioner would serve him well if he decides to run, because jobs are a top priority for the nation.

"In thinking about what role I could play in helping some 15 million Americans at the end of this downturn who, as we begin to reach the point of recovery, find themselves unemployed ... obviously, the Senate offers me that opportunity," Thurmond said.

Isakson is seeking a second term and has $4.4 million in the bank for his re-election bid. Isakson recently returned to the campaign trail after being hospitalized for an irregular heartbeat and a blood clot.

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