The Associated Press

DAYTON, Ohio - Sen. Mike DeWine said things are looking positive for those who favor Pete Rose's reinstatement to baseball, the Ohio Republican's press secretary said Friday.

DeWine, a longtime Cincinnati Reds fan and season ticketholder, called commissioner Bud Selig on Thursday to discuss the talks that could lead to reinstating the career hits leader.

DeWine mentioned his conversation with Selig while speaking at the annual meeting of the Dayton Development Coalition.

On Friday, press secretary Mike Dawson divulged what DeWine told the group.

He quoted DeWine as saying: "He (Selig) said it was a private conversation, so I can't discuss anything. But I think I can tell you the reports in the newspaper are accurate. Things are looking pretty good if you are in favor of Pete coming back."

Dawson said DeWine was in a briefing Friday and not available to comment.

DeWine, chairman of the Senate Judiciary antitrust committee, met Selig when the commissioner testified before the panel.

Rose, a former Reds player and manager, accepted a lifetime ban from baseball in 1989 following an investigation of his gambling. He cannot be voted into the Hall of Fame unless the ban is lifted.

Negotiations between Selig and Rose have been going on for more than a year, according to a high-ranking baseball official.