GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) - A former University of North Dakota teacher who now is a lay pastor says he intends to seek the endorsement of North Dakota Democrats to run for the U.S. Senate.

Thomas Potter of Grand Forks is seeking the Senate seat held by Kent Conrad, who plans to retire next year. Potter is married to Louise "Weezie" Potter, who served in the North Dakota House from
2002-10.

Potter taught finance at UND before becoming a lay pastor at a Presbyterian church in Red Lake Falls, Minn. He is a graduate of the University of Colorado law school and holds a doctorate in finance from the university.

Potter is the first Democrat to declare a Senate run.

U.S. Rep. Rick Berg and Bismarck businessman Duane Sand are competing for the Republican endorsement.