Rep. Joanne Verger announced Wednesday that she will seek election to the Senate in 2004, making a bid as a moderate Democrat with the coastal know-how to replace retiring Republican Sen. Ken Messerle.

Verger, who made the formal announcement in Salem after discussing the move with Democratic Party leaders, said by telephone that she wants to push a pro-business stance, which may help in achieving broad support from the coast.

"All I'm saying by filing is I'm willing to come back, I'm willing to work hard, I'm willing to commit the next four years to working for the Oregon Coast," Verger said.

Verger said she sees herself as a consensus builder, able to work on both sides of the political aisles, who has fostered bipartisan relationships in the House.

"I really believe that for the Oregon Coast, I would like to see us maintain a moderate Democrat in the Senate," Verger said.

Democrats hold an edge in voter registration in the district and see the coastal seat as a winnable key to breaking the 15-15 partisan tie.

Verger was elected to the House of Representatives in 2000, after serving on the Coos Bay City Council and completing eight years as mayor of the city of Coos Bay. She was re-elected in 2002, although she has yet to face strong Republican opposition.

Candidates can file for the position until March. Anita Conn, chairwoman of the Republican Central Committee in Coos County, said the GOP is not yet ready to announce candidates to run in either the Senate or House races from the South Coast.

"People are just out there testing the waters," she said. "We're just waiting to see how things materialize."

How much of an emphasis Republicans will put on the coastal district remains to be seen, Conn said, but the area does have a Democratic edge among registered voters.

"The way it was redistricted, it is a Democrat district," Conn said. "It would be an uphill battle, but then, most races are an uphill battle."

Verger, whose moderate record has also held appeal for Republicans, may present an onerous challenge for the GOP. Less conservative than the former Senate district in Coos and Curry counties, District 5 follows a narrow strip of coastline from Coos Bay to Tillamook County and could prove to be a pivotal seat.

Verger said she will have to introduce herself to voters in the northern part of the district, but added she feels comfortable covering the area.

"I think being a pro-business Democrat is going to be very, very helpful to me in the northern district," Verger said.

Verger said she began considering the possibility of running for Senate shortly after Messerle announced his intention to retire, but she already was being discussed as a potential candidate.

"I had to consider my responsibilities to my family as far as going into a campaign that stretched into a second district, which is obviously a much larger district," Verger said. "The other thing was the commitment of four years to the Senate."

Messerle announced his retirement, saying the widespread district provided challenges to equally representing all constituents. Verger agreed that the geography of the district presents unique difficulties, but added that she feels well-versed in dealing with issues stretching the rural Oregon Coast. She said tourism, rural health care, fishing, timber and senior issues will continue to dominate her campaign.

"The challenges are identical," she said. "When you're representing the coast, so many of the coastal issues are the same."

Another consideration in reaching his retirement, Messerle said, was the fact that his home in Sumner is not in the revamped district - and residency is a requirement for election. Verger lives in Coos Bay, which is within district boundaries.

During her first two terms, Verger served on the Transportation Committee as well as on Rules and Public Affairs. She was vice chairwoman of the Revenue Committee and was appointed to the Joint Interim Committee on Tax Reform during the 2003 interim. Other appointments have included the Pacific Fisheries Legislative Task Force.

In 1993, Verger was named one of Oregon's Six Outstanding Women. She has served on numerous local and state boards and commissions and served as president of the League of Oregon Cities.

She and her husband, Lawton Verger, have lived in Coos Bay since 1969. The couple own Verger Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep in Coos Bay.

Messerle is among several senators expected not to seek re-election, which could prove to change the dynamics of a deadlocked Senate. In addition to the South Coast Republican, Sen. John Minnis, R-Fairview, is expected to take an appointment heading the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training, which oversees police and fire training. Minnis has not confirmed his decision to take the appointment.

Sen. Tony Corcoran, D-Cottage Grove, plans to take a spot on the state Employment Appeals Board. Also, Sen. Jackie Winters, R-Salem, is running for U.S. Congress, and Sen. Bruce Starr, R-Hillsboro, has said he is considering running for Secretary of State.