By Rachel E. Stassen-Berger

Republican Allen Quist said today he felt he needed to run for congress after watching three issues develop in DC -- the stimulus package, cap and trade legislation and the health care reform bills.

"I've been retired from active politics for over ten years. I've really have done nothing. And I have personally been alarmed at the direction that Washington is taking," Quist said. "I just am super concerned."

Democratic U.S. Rep. Tim Walz has held the 1st District seat since 2006, when he unseated incumbent Republican Rep. Gil Gutknecht. Walz won re-election last year with 62 percent of the vote.

"If people like the direction Congress is taking they should vote for the incumbent and if they think that Congress is headed in the wrong direction as I do then I'm the alternative," he said.

Quist said people in the district started asking him to run and, "this came at a time when I was a little bored with life and I was looking for a new challenge so ok I'm going to really pursue it aggressively and see what happens."

The former state representative and former 1990s gubernatorial candidate said if he wins he sees himself in line with Gutknecht or former President Ronald Reagan more than current 6th District Rep. Michele Bachmann.

"Gil and I worked together very closely in the Legislature. We're very good friends....I would identify more with Gil or Reagan, I'm a Reagan Republican," he said. "I'm not real good at show. I try to have a lot of substance…I would rather tell than show."

Quist's wife, Julie, is Bachmann's district director, a job Allen Quist said he expects she'd continue as he runs for congress.

"She is at so good at what she does with Michele that she needs to stay there," Quist said of his wife, Julie.