Former Louisiana Gov. Buddy Roemer will announce this week his intention to seek the Republican nomination for president in 2012.
The National Journal reported Wednesday that Roemer would make the announcement Thursday, citing an unnamed Republican source.
Roemer was a Democrat when he served in Congress from 1981 to 1988 and as governor of Louisiana from 1988 to 1992. He switched parties in 1991.
His most recent stint in elected office ended when he was defeated for re-election in the Republican primary for governor by Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke.
According to Louisiana CBS affiliate WAFB, “A news conference is scheduled to take place at Business First Bank in Baton Rouge at 1:30 p.m. Thursday. Roemer is the president of the bank.”
It is unclear what political demographic Roemer would have as a base of support. As governor, he vetoed an anti-abortion bill, which may compromise potential support from social conservatives.