Carcieri waiting before seeking office

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Outgoing Rhode Island Governor Don Carcieri says he wants to take some time off before considering whether he would run for Senate against Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse in 2012 -- and  says there are several factors that will influence his decision.

The Republican governor told The Associated Press this week that he's used to executive roles, and the Senate is a different body.

He wonders whether it's a place where he could have an impact.

Carcieri, a former business executive, says he's now an experienced campaigner, and understands it's hard work, but says among his considerations is that he's invested eight years of his life in trying to help the state.

Carcieri says he wants to take a vacation in Florida with his wife, Sue, before considering anything.