Ex-KKK leader David Duke says he plans to run for US Senate

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke, an avowed white supremacist, announced today on his website that he plans to run for U.S. Senate in Louisiana.

"I'm proud to announce my candidacy for the United States Senate," Duke said in a video. "I believe in equal rights for all and respect for all Americans. However, what makes me different is I also demand respect for the rights and heritage of European Americans."

Duke's announcement came as the state is grappling with deep racial tensions after the shooting death of a black man by white police officers and the killing of three law enforcement officers by a black man. It also came one day after Donald Trump accepted the GOP nomination for president.

Duke said in the video, "I'm overjoyed to see Donald Trump and most Americans embrace most of the issues that I've championed for years. My slogan remains America first."

A registered Republican, Duke would be seeking an open seat vacated by Republican David Vitter.

Nearly two dozen candidates have signed up for the Senate race. The seat is open because Vitter decided not to seek re-election on the Nov. 8 ballot.

Duke has not yet filed the official paperwork to run. Louisiana's candidate qualifying period ends this afternoon.