NASHVILLE — Former state Sen. Lou Patten, R-Cleveland, today announced he is running for the District 9 Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Dewayne Bunch, R-Cleveland, who recently said he will not seek reelection.

That is expected to generate a battle in the 2010 GOP primary with state Rep. Mike Bell, R-Riceville, having already announced he intends to run.

Mr. Patten, a 58-year-old businessman who served in the Senate from 1986 to 1994, said he has the conservative qualifications and experience needed to serve in tough economic times.

“In these uncertain times, it is vital that we elected capable and seasoned leaders with a strong record of fighting for our conservative principles,” he said in a news release.

The district includes Bradley, Polk, McMinn, Meigs and Polk counties.

Mr. Patten, a Cleveland native, is an associate partner with Cornerstone Insurance Group in Cleveland.

While in the Senate, he served as Senate Republican Caucus chairman. He also served on the Senate Finance Committee as well as the Senate Commerce, the Senate General Welfare Committee, the Senate Environment, Conservation and Tourism Committee and Senate Judiciary Committee.

He is a former chairman of the Cleveland/Bradley County Chamber of Commerce, past president of the Cleveland Kiwanis Club and past chairman of the United Way of Bradley County.

He and his wife, Debbie, have five adult children and one grandchild. He serves as stewardship chairman at St. Luke’s Church in Cleveland.