(Claremore, OK) - Businessman Markwayne Mullin formally announced his intention to seek the 2nd district congressional seat being vacated by Democrat Dan Boren.
Mullin joins several fellow GOP hopefuls looking to replace Boren but contends he's the only businessman in the crowded field of Republicans.
"We keep listening to government talk about creating jobs and the government doesn't create jobs, we the people create jobs," Mullin said. "And for some reason they just can't seem to get that."
He said he plans to run a grassroots campaign.
[ Hear extended interview w/ Markwayne Mullin ]
Mullin owns Mullin Plumbing and made his announcement outside a family-run business in Claremore. He credited his father for instilling a strong work ethic in him.
"We're real excited about this opportunity to bring maybe real businessmen to Congress," he said.
Other Republicans seeking the post are state Rep. George Faught of Muskogee, former Tishomingo Mayor Dustin Rowe, and retired Lt. Col. Dakota Wood.
No Democrats have formally announced plans to seek the post, but among those considering a run is assistant U.S. Attorney Rob Wallace, a former LeFlore County district attorney.