U.S. Rep. Lincoln Davis, D-Tenn., formally announced to day that he would seek re-election to his 4th Congressional District seat.

"I have always put my independent Tennessee values and the needs of my constituents ahead of partisan politics, and I will continue to do so," Rep. Davis said in a news release.

Rep. Davis went on to call himself a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, noting his votes against the bank bailout and cap-and-trade bills, as well as his support of gun rights.

Several Republican challengers are competing for the chance to take on the four-term congressman in November's general election. They include Jasper, Tenn., physician Scott DesJarlais; Franklin, Tenn., businessman Jack Bailey; Ron Harwell of Rockwood, Tenn., and Don Strong of Crossville, Tenn.