Talmadge Heflin, a once-powerful state legislator defeated last year by a political newcomer in a House race decided by 16 votes, has applied to become the Texas Lottery's next executive director.

Mr. Heflin, a 65-year-old Houston Republican, submitted his application Monday at the request of Texas Lottery Commission Chairman Thomas Clowe, agency spokesman Bobby Heith said Thursday.

He must be interviewed by Mr. Clowe and commissioner James Cox, which could happen during today's commission meeting, Mr. Heith said.

Mr. Clowe and Mr. Cox have interviewed four other finalists selected by a search committee from a pool of more than 100 applicants.

Mr. Heflin did not immediately return a telephone message left by The Associated Press. He told the Houston Chronicle he is familiar with lottery operations from his time in the Legislature.

"It's not like it's something brand-new to me," he said.

If hired, he would receive a $115,000 salary to lead the $3.5 billion agency, the third-largest lottery in the nation. He told the newspaper he would consider running for his old seat if he doesn't get the job.

He would replace Reagan Greer, who resigned under fire in July after admitting he'd signed off on advertising Lotto Texas jackpots that were higher than ticket sales could support.