For the handful of die-hards out there, Maryland Republican and two-time failed presidential candidate Alan Keyes announced Monday that he will once again seek the White House. In a crowded field of nine hopefuls, it is unlikely he will cause more than a small ripple.

But the Associated Press reports he will participate Monday night at a debate involving lesser-known candidates in Florida.

Keyes, a former State Department official under President Reagan, made unsuccessful presidential runs in 1996 and 2000. He also has been a Senate candidate from Maryland, and, in 2004, he suffered a 43-percentage point loss to Democrat Barack Obama in the Senate race in Illinois. Republicans drafted Keyes after primary winner Jack Ryan dropped out amid a scandal.

In an interview with radio talk show host Janet Parshall, Keyes noted the wide-open nature of the GOP race. “There isn’t a standout,” Keyes said. “I’m like a lot of folks, who have just looked at it and been unmoved.” [AP]

No word yet on if or when he plans to visit South Carolina.

Photo: Wonkette