Swift boat co-author ponders Senate bid

BOSTON, Jan. 25 (UPI) -- The co-author of a book accusing Democratic presidential nominee John F. Kerry of embellishing his war record plans to run against him for U.S. Senate.

Jerome Corsi, who, with retired Navy Lt. John O'Neill, is credited as the co-author of "Unfit for Command: Swift Boat Veterans Speak Out Against John Kerry," said he plans to move to Massachusetts later this year as the first step in his 2008 campaign for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Kerry.

"I'm going to do it," Corsi said. "I've got serious political aspirations now."

The book, described by Publishers Weekly as a "heated critique" of Kerry's military record and anti-war activities, spent weeks as a best seller and is credited with causing considerable damage to Kerry's presidential aspirations.

Corsi, who currently lives in New Jersey, said he would prefer to run as the Republican but, if party leaders chose not to get behind his candidacy, he would run as an independent.

Kerry spokesman David Wade declined to comment, the Boston Herald said Tuesday, saying the senator was focused on his work.