Acting Gov. Jane Swift's attempt to wrest control of the besieged state Republican party suffered a setback yesterday when GOP chairman Brian Cresta resigned and former chairman James Rappaport prepared to launch a bid for statewide office.

Sources said Rappaport, who has been openly shunned by Swift, will file a statewide campaign committee today to explore running for lieutenant governor, threatening Swift's plans to hand-pick a running mate.

Rappaport's possible candidacy for lieutenant governor presents even bigger headaches for Swift, who is expected to announce in the next few weeks whether she intends to run next year.