Mondale says he'll run if nominated by party

ST. PAUL (AP) -- Former Vice President Walter Mondale said Wednesday he will run for Senate in place of the late Sen. Paul Wellstone if Minnesota Democrats nominate him.

Mondale was expected to be ratified as the Democratic candidate in a vote Wednesday evening.

Mondale, 74, made his intent known in a letter Wednesday to state Democratic Party Chairman Mike Erlandson.

"It is with a heavy heart but a great hope for the future that I will pick up the campaign where Paul Wellstone left off," Mondale wrote. "Paul cannot be replaced. No one can. But his passion for Minnesotans and their needs can inspire us to continue the work he began."

Wellstone's son David asked Mondale on Saturday to make the run, saying his father would have wanted it. But Mondale deferred an announcement until after Tuesday's memorial service for Wellstone.