Associated Press - May 13, 2009 3:04 PM ET

BOISE, Idaho (AP) - Rex Rammell, a former elk rancher and veterinarian from eastern Idaho, says he is entering Idaho's 2010 gubernatorial campaign.

Rammell, who unsuccessfully ran for the U.S. Senate in Idaho last year, declared Wednesday his plan to seek the Republican nomination to be the Gem State's next chief executive.

The announcement marks a change of heart for Rammell.

Earlier this year, he launched a campaign to unseat U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson, a Republican serving his sixth term representing Idaho's 2nd Congressional District.

Now Rammell, a conservative who collected just 5% of the vote in November, is aiming for the governor's office and a primary challenge with Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter. While Otter is raising campaign cash, he has not yet officially announced his plans to seek a second term.

Information from: The Spokesman-Review, http://www.spokesman.com

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.