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(AP) - Applying a scientific analysis to his chances of
success, Nobel Prize-winning chemist Peter Agre said Wednesday that
he won't press ahead with a run for U.S. Senate in Minnesota next
year.

      Agre, who is a professor and vice chancellor at Duke University,
spent the summer consulting with people in his home state about
joining the Democratic field of challengers to Republican Sen. Norm
Coleman.

      He said he encountered encouragement and skepticism, and he
ultimately concluded a campaign would carry more personal and
professional costs than he was willing to bear.

      "As much as I'd like to run, I've decided it's just not the
time to step in," Agre said in a telephone interview with The
Associated Press. "It's late. I just don't think I can make the
race."

      His decision further sharpens the contest for the Democratic
nomination. The two front-runners are trial attorney Mike Ciresi
and comedian Al Franken.

      Two others who have declared are environmental activist Jim
Cohen and frequent candidate Dick Franson.

      Agre declined to endorse one of the remaining candidates.

      Minnesota's Senate race is shaping up as one of a handful of the
top 2008 battles for party control. Democrats now hold a 51-49
advantage, but more Republican-held seats are on the ballot next
year.

      Agre, 58, shared in the Nobel prize in 2003 for research on how
key materials enter or leave cells in the body. He said he won't
close the door on a future campaign.

Gallery

Nobel Prize-winning scientist considers challenging Coleman

Minnesota native Peter Agre, a professor at Duke University, spent the summer assessing his chances in the Senate race. He concluded that it wasn't worth the personal and professional cost.

Nobel-winning scientist won't run for Senate

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