Ken Yager

DAYTON, Tenn. — Former Roane County Executive Ken Yager on Monday announced he is seeking the Republican nomination for the 12th District state Senate seat.

Incumbent Sen. Tommy Kilby, D-Wartburg, is not seeking re-election.

Mr. Yager, who has served for more than 24 years as Roane County executive, said the open seat represents an “opportunity to take control of the Tennessee state Senate for the Republican Party.”

The 12th Senate District includes Campbell, Fentress, Morgan, Rhea, Roane and Scott counties.

Morgan County Mayor Becky Ruppe is running for the Democratic nomination to the seat. Mr. Kilby has said previously that he is supporting Ms. Ruppe.

Mr. Yager said he would oppose a state income tax, improve health care, boost education for young people and adults, protect gun rights, oppose abortion and support efforts to improve infrastructure.

“I will reflect conservative Tennessee values, (and) I will exercise independent judgment on the decisions that I have to make in Nashville,” Mr. Yager said.

“I offer a demonstrated record of competence, integrity and the ability to partner with people to accomplish results,” he said.

District 11 state Sen. Bo Watson, R-Hixson, said Mr. Yager will receive support from people who see the difference Republicans make in the Senate.

“We think this is a great opportunity for the Republican Party to capture that seat,” he said.

U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tennessee, compared Mr. Yager to former Sen. Gene Elsea, a longtime Republican state senator from Spring City, Tenn. He said the two men share “the same kind of effectiveness and the same kind of demeanor and just the same kind of down-home values.”

State House Rep. Jim Cobb, R-Spring City, described Mr. Yager “one of the most powerful people as far as his character, his disposition, his reasoning ability.”

Republican Women of Rhea County President Phyllis Thum said the early-morning announcement in Dayton drew more than 40 people.

Ms. Ruppe did not respond Monday to calls. Her Web site states that she is a supporter of gun rights and an opponent of abortion and a state income tax.