West Tennesssee Congressman Harold Ford said he has filed documents "that allow me to officially ask the people of Tennessee for the opportunity to represent them in the United States Senate."
He said, "I take as my guide the great tradition of strong Tennessee Senators who were motivated by a deep concern for people and doing what is right for Tennessee and the nation.
"I run to put problem solving ahead of partisanship and principle ahead of party.
"There is a frustration in Tennessee and the nation that our leaders are not focused on real problems. While people in Tennessee are wrestling with higher gas prices and more expensive health care, the local news every evening is telling them of more problems in Iraq and of an unsteady job market. There is a growing gap between the government and the people. That gap must be closed.
"My campaign will address the issues of concern to the people of Tennessee. I firmly believe that in addition to maintaining the world's bravest and most lethal fighting force, America must reduce dramatically our reliance on foreign oil and significantly improve graduation rates of engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs to keep America competitive and dominant in the century where China and India continue to emerge.
"During the next few years, decisions made in the Senate will affect America and the world for decades to come.
"With five good terms in the House behind me and so many good people beside me. I am ready to meet the challenge of those decisions in a way that will make Tennessee as proud of me as I am proud of Tennessee."