Retired Columbia County businessman Brett McGuire announced his candidacy Thursday for the state House District 117 seat.

Mr. McGuire became the first candidate to officially state his intention to seek the office held by Rep. Barry Fleming, R-Harlem. Mr. Fleming said he will run against Republican U.S. Rep. Paul Broun in the 10th Congressional District this year.

A former Columbia County planning commissioner and former executive director of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, Mr. McGuire said Wednesday he believes he can make "common sense" decisions to improve the lives of Georgians.

An Appling resident and a Republican, Mr. McGuire, 56, said he would like to see the Legislature fund the building of more reservoirs, support expansion at the Medical College of Georgia, cut wasteful spending and improve education.

Among those who endorsed Mr. McGuire at his announcement, which was held at Grovetown City Hall, were former Grovetown Mayor Dennis Trudeau and Columbia County Commissioner Tom Mercer.

"We are all pathfinders for Brett this morning," Mr. Trudeau said. "We need to get out there and shake the bushes to get people to vote. We've got a good man in Brett."

This is Mr. McGuire's second run for a seat on the state Legislature. He lost a 2007 special election to Bill Jackson for a state Senate seat.

"I guarantee you will be proud of how I represent you and your family in Atlanta," Mr. McGuire said.

For more information on Mr. McGuire, visit his Web site at www.electbrettmcguire.com.

The Republican primary is to be held July 15.