Former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke has officially signed up to run for U.S. Senate in Louisiana.
Duke registered Friday, the final day of Louisiana’s qualifying period. A registered Republican, he is seeking an open seat vacated by Republican David Vitter.
Duke’s candidacy comes as Louisiana 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.
A white supremacist, Duke served one term as a state representative representing suburban New Orleans more than two decades ago. He ran unsuccessfully for governor in 1991 against Democrat Edwin Edwards.
Duke, a convicted felon, pleaded guilty in 2002 to bilking supporters and cheating on his taxes. He spent a year in federal prison.
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