Boustany, above, and Fleming say they'll soon make announcements on their plans for Vitter's Senate seat. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call File Photo)
Updated: 5 p.m. | Two days after Republican Sen. David Vitter's defeat in the Louisiana governor's race and his announcement that he would not seek re-election, two Republicans said they were readying campaigns for the seat next year.
In a statement Monday morning, Rep. Charles Boustany Jr., a six-term Republican from southwest Louisiana who had considered a run for Senate in 2014, said a "formal announcement" for 2016 will take place soon near his hometown of Lafayette. “Louisiana deserves a United States Senator who can lead in times of challenge, offer conservative, workable solutions to complex problems, and bring unity in times of division," he said. "I look forward to outlining my vision for Louisiana and how I intend to help lead our state to the bright future I know lies before us.”