WASHINGTON —  Republican Sen. Rick Santorum (search) said Monday he has no intention to seek the presidency in 2008.

The Pennsylvania conservative, who recently wrote a book titled "It Takes a Family," said he couldn't imagine putting his family through another campaign after his re-election bid in 2006. Recent state polls show Democrat Bob Casey Jr. (search) leading the two-term incumbent.

"I have six children ages 4-14. And the idea of coming off a race of the intensity that I am engaged in at this point and turning around and running another two-year campaign for president is not something that I believe is in the best interest of my family," Santorum said in an online interview with The Washington Post.

Santorum's name has been mentioned among several potential GOP candidates for 2008.

"I can't speak for other politicians but I can speak for me, and my intention is not to run in 2008," he said.