Sen. Hollis French of Anchorage says he's filing a letter of intent to run for governor with the state public offices commission. French on Wednesday stopped short of calling it a formal declaration but says it's a way to continue the exploration process.
Filing with the APOC allows a candidate to raise money, but French said he doesn't intend to until he makes a final decision and formal announcement.
French says it's also a way to keep a dialogue going about what Alaskans want to see in their next governor.
The 50-year-old French is a former prosecutor. He is chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and he oversaw the investigation of incumbent Palin. She has not announced if she will seek another term.
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