Bob Kerrey in final talks to head MPAA

7:57 AM PDT 10/14/2010 by Alex Ben Block, AP

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Former senator says position 'relatively certain'

Robert "Bob" Kerrey acknowledged Tuesday in a radio interview that he is in final negotiations to head the Motion Picture Association of America.

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Kerrey told Don Imus on his syndicated show that he is "talking very seriously" with the MPAA , adding: "We're in the final stages of negotiations."

Later in the show Kerrey praised the late Jack Valenti, who headed the MPAA from 1966 until his retirement in 2004. Kerrey praised him for his use of language and as "a wonderful man."

When pressed about the job, Kerrey said he was "relatively certain" he was going to do it, adding that he is "now talking contract" and "if nothing breaks down in that conversation, I'm taking the job."

Kerrey represented Nebraska as a senator after serving as governor of that state. He is a decorated war hero who most recently has had a controversial tenure as President of The New School in New York City. Kerrey told Imus his term at The New School will end sometime this fall.