In recent months, the Republcian State Representative had been considering whether to take the plunge.

He says after considerable thought about what it would require and whether it was winnable, he's announcing he's running.

Conger has served two terms in the state house and wants to go to Washington to replace Jeff Merkley.

"Well, the differnce is I would actually fight for the middle class and not just talk about it.  He talked a  lot about jobs, the poor and helping the middle class when he was running, but he's been completely missing in action since he went to Washignton.  He hasn't done anything to help us build a better future for ourselves and our families."

The Republican primary will be next May with the general election next November.

The three other Republican candidates, include Bend businessman Sam Carpenter, former Linn County Republican Party Chair Jo Rae Perkins and Salem information technology consultant, Mark Callahan.