Former Miami mayor Ferre enters US Senate race

MIAMI (AP) -- A longtime former Miami mayor is entering the U.S. Senate race.

Democrat Maurice Ferre, a Puerto Rican who served from 1973 to 1985, announced his candidacy Wednesday. The 74-year-old will challenge U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek in the Democratic primary, though he's a longshot. Ferre (Fair-ray) hasn't won a major race in years. Despite his run as mayor, Ferre lost trying to regain that seat in 2001, and twice vying for county mayor in 1996 and 2004.

However, he did use Facebook and Twitter to announce the campaign -- a sign he's adapting to today's campaigns.

Gov. Charlie Crist and former state House Speaker Marco Rubio are vying for the Republican Party candidacy.

Former Crist chief of staff George LeMieux is holding the seat after Republican Mel Martinez vacated it early.

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