Arthur Morrell, a six-term Democrat in the Louisiana House representing New Orleans' District 97, is a contender in the race for retiring Democrat John Breaux's U.S. Senate seat.

Morrell was born in New Orleans' French Quarter. He had seven brothers and sisters. A graduate of Southern University of New Orleans, Morrell served in the Army Special Forces during the Vietnam War and later held a variety of jobs, including owner of a construction company, breeder of Thoroughbred horses and attorney.

In 1983, Morrell was elected to the Louisiana House in a tight race against the incumbent. During his six consecutive terms, he served as chairman of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus and sat on various committees including those dealing with education, transportation, appropriations and criminal justice.

In announcing his run for the U.S. Senate, he said, "As your senator, I will be called upon to speak to questions about our national economy, foreign policy, foreign trade, and our national security. In voting on these types of issues, I will never forget that I speak for the people of Louisiana.

"I will oppose policies (particularly trade treaties like CAFTA) that could negatively impact jobs in our state. I will support national security initiatives, and I will always lend a voice and a hand to those who seek to strengthen America by enhancing our position of leadership and respect in the world.

"I will only support military operations that are necessary to protect American interests; I will oppose all foreign adventures -- including any expansion in Iraq -- that are wasteful and unnecessary," Morrell said.

He and his wife Cynthia Hedge Morrell have four sons and five grandchildren.