CHICAGO -- She was once known as U.S. Sen. Carol Moseley-Braun, but now the former lawmaker and Democratic presidential hopeful has dropped the hyphen.

A spokesman said the decision was made after several media inquiries about how to refer to Braun, who announced in February that she would begin fund raising for a White House bid.

"It was a style decision made in response to questions from editors requesting clarification," campaign spokesman Kevin Lampe said Tuesday.

Braun added a hyphen between her maiden name, Moseley, and her ex-husband's surname, Braun, in 1993, just months after being elected to the Senate.

At the time, aides said she didn't want create confusion or drop her maiden name. She had campaigned without the hyphen and had been referred to as Braun on second reference in media reports.

Lampe said he ran the current style by Braun, who agreed with the change. She wants to be known as Carol Moseley Braun on first reference and Braun on second reference, Lampe said.

"We wanted to make it easier for you guys," he said.