Zach Wamp enters Tennessee governors race

[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/01/05/art.zach.gi.jpg caption="Wamp is running for governor of Tennessee."](CNN) - Tennessee Rep. Zach Wamp, a Republican, announced Monday he is entering his state's 2010 gubernatorial race.

The announcement comes one day after former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, also a Republican from Tennessee, said he was not interested in the job.

"While so much is good in Tennessee, I know in my heart we can continue to do better. From education, economic development, infrastructure and transportation to safer cities and healthier children, I will lead our state with vision, planning and implementation while setting goals and achieving results for a better Tennessee," Wamp said in a statement posted on his Web site.

Wamp has served in Congress since 1995 and represents Tennessee's 3rd district, which covers a north-south strip of the eastern part of the state and includes Chattanooga. In November, he was reelected with nearly 70 percent of the vote.

The current Tennessee governor, Democrat Phil Bredesen, is unable to run again due to term limits.