Sen. Helms Undecided If He'll Run

RALEIGH, N.C. — Jesse Helms, after nearly three decades in the Senate, said Saturday he hasn't decided whether to run for re-election next year.

The Republican told about 400 people attending the state Republican Party convention that he expects to announce his decision by September.

``I ain't saying I ain't running yet,'' Helms cautioned.

Helms, a member of the Senate since 1973, said he and his wife, Dot, will decide together on whether he'll run in 2002.

Helms, 79, has been battling ailments that have raised questions about whether he will be able to run again. The Senate is evenly divided, and the loss of even one Republican seat would put the Democrats in charge.