Billy King, general manager of the 76ers, confirmed yesterday that he has been approached by Democrats in Washington about his interest in running for the U.S. Senate next year against Republican incumbent Arlen Specter.

Speaking on WIP-AM (610), King said he had discussed the matter last week with officials of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, including its chairman, Sen. Jon Corzine of New Jersey.

King, 37, who was named by Sports Illustrated last week as one of the most influential minority figures in American sports, called the attention "flattering" and said he wanted to run for political office at some point.