10:44 AM EST on Friday, March 3, 2006

Associated Press

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- The youngest son of the late U-S Senator Strom Thurmond says he will seek the Republican nomination for a seat on the Charleston County Council.

The 30-year-old Paul Thurmond is the first of his father's five children to seek public office. Paul's brother -- Strom Junior -- was appointed U-S attorney for South Carolina but resigned the post about two years ago.

Paul Thurmond left the Charleston County prosecutor's office for private practice last fall. He downplayed any notions he might seek higher office in the future.

The seat Thurmond is seeking is held by council chairman Leon Stavrinakis, a Democrat whose term expires in December.