CHEYENNE - Former two-time gubernatorial candidate Ray Hunkins today threw his name into the mix for U.S. Senate with the promise he would not seek election in 2008 if he is appointed.

The 68-year-old Wheatland attorney and rancher said he believes the Republican candidates in 2008 should have a "level playing field" without anyone having the advantage of incumbency.

"The voters of Wyoming should have the benefit of selecting the next U.S. senator, who has been democratically nominated by a majority of Republican voters," Hunkins said, reading from his letter of application to Wyoming Republican Party Chariman Fred Parady.

Hunkins, who is representing the city of Gillette in a lengthy jury trial, said he won't be able to campaign for selection by members of the State GOP Central Committee.

Hunkins ran for governor in 2002 but lost the GOP primary to Eli Babout. In 2006 he was his party's candidate for governor, but lost to Democrat Dave Freudenthal.

Hunkins brings to 12 the number of candidates to replace the late Craig Thomas in the U.S. Senate. Other new names today are former state legislators Ron Micheli of Fort Bridger and Frank Moore of Douglas, along with Larry French of Powell and Teton County Commissioner Bill Paddleford of Jackson.

They join former State Treasurer Cynthia Lummis, Cheyenne attorney Bruce Asay, former U.S. Attorney Matt Mead, state Sen. John Barrasso of Casper, state Rep. Colin Simpson of Cody, former state GOP Chairman Tom Sansonetti of Cheyenne, and former House Speaker Randall Luthi of Star Valley.