Former Miami Mayor Maurice Ferre is questioning whether county law requires him to step down from a transportation board while he runs for the U.S. Senate.

Yet Ferre acknowledged Thursday that he could face conflicts of interests if he remains on the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority and accepts campaign donations from contractors vying for county work. The board oversees five major expressways in South Florida and has spent more than $580 million in completed and ongoing projects over the past decade.

Ferre said he would not take money from contractors who do business with the board but wasn't sure about gifts from companies that may seek road work.

"I have to think that through," he said. "It may create a perception of a conflict."

Ferre launched a long-shot campaign three weeks ago against U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, of Miami, the front-runner for the Democratic Senate nomination. The leading Republican contenders are Gov. Charlie Crist and former House Speaker Marco Rubio.

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