Former Rep. John Cooksey (R-La.), who had been rumored to be interested in challenging Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) in the 2010 GOP primary, said Monday that he will not be running for Senate next year.

Cooksey, an ophthalmologist who served three terms in the House, ran for Senate in 2002 but failed to garner enough support to make it into the runoff against Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.).

“While I do not always agree with David Vitter’s position on social issues, I believe David Vitter does a good job representing the people of Louisiana on fiscal matters,— Cooksey said in a statement to the Concordia Sentinel. “If David Vitter emerges as the Republican nominee in the 2010 Senate race in Louisiana, I will vote for him.—

Vitter, who’s standing among conservatives back home has been tainted by his association with the D.C. Madam prostitution scandal, still faces a possible top-tier primary challenge next year.