Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey (R-Blountville) today announced the formation of an exploratory committee for governor that will test the waters for a gubernatorial run in 2010.
As the second highest elected official in Tennessee, an official entrance into the race "would vault Lt. Gov. Ramsey to the front of the pack in the Republican Primary," his office said.
Lt. Gov. Ramsey said, "It is an honor to serve as lieutenant governor and, after prayerful consideration with my family, I have formed an exploratory committee to talk to people across the state about running for governor in 2010.
"I believe the next governor will have to have a proven record of bringing good jobs to Tennessee and a record of managing the state budget with conservative principles."
His office said he "led the statewide effort to secure a Republican majority in the State Senate - the biggest Republican achievement in state politics in the last 15 years. Ramsey and his wife Sindy run a successful real estate and auction business in Upper East Tennessee and he has been a leading voice for pro-growth policies in the legislature since his election in 1992. Business Tennessee magazine named him 'The Best Lawmaker for Business in Tennessee' in 2008."
The formation of an exploratory committee is the first step in the process of running for governor.
Lt. Gov. Ramsey said he plans to tour the state to build support for his bid before a formal campaign launch.
On Thursday, he spoke to the Chattanooga Rotary Club.