Jerome Corsi, co-author of the Swiftboat veterans' book that challenged Sen. John Kerry's Vietnam record, plans to vie for the former presidential candidate's Senate seat in 2008.

Corsi, who lives in New Jersey, told the Boston Herald he will establish residency in Boston this spring.

"I'm going to do it,'' said Corsi. "I've got serious political aspirations now.''

A WorldNetDaily columnist and author of an upcoming WND book, "Atomic Iran," Corsi was the co-author with John O'Neill of "Unfit for Command: Swift Boat Veterans Speak Out Against John Kerry," which became a New York Times No. 1 best-seller.

He told the Herald his "strong first choice" is to run as a Republican, but he would run as an independent if the party does not back him.

His plans won't change if Kerry decides not to run.

"It may be time for a conservative movement to take hold in Massachusetts,'' Corsi said.

Corsi, who has a PhD from Harvard University, is managing partner of U.S. Financial Marketing Group. He told the Boston paper he will sell his interest in the company.

Kerry spokesman David Wade would not comment on Corsi, saying Kerry is focused on his Senate work, the Herald reported.

State Democratic chairman Phil Johnston spoke to the paper, however.

"I know Massachusetts will not welcome a candidate whose calling card is a disturbing track record of slandering Catholics, the pope, Jews and Vietnam veterans," Johnston said. "Carpetbaggers spreading lies and smears are not welcome in our state.''

Corsi has apologized for comments he posted on FreeRepublic.com on various subjects, but he insisted they were "not meant as serious expressions of my views and opinions,'' but "meant to be satirical and provocative. ... It's like saying Shakespeare is responsible for something one of his characters said.''

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