Nothing can keep Jack Shepard down.

Not the possibility that the former dentist could be arrested if he were to return to the United States. Not the moniker "fugitive felon" reporters use to describe the Italy-resident, who has been accused of arson and drug charges. Not the 2004 effort to keep him off the ballot, since he cannot legally vote.

Nothing.

Shepard called this purveyor of hot dish Wednesday morning to let us know he will run as a Republican candidate in the 4th congressional district. Democratic U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum currently holds the strong Democratic district. Professor Teresa Collett received the GOP nod for the race last weekend.

"This time there is a pretty good chance I could win," Shepard said. He's run for Minnesota offices in 2002, 2004, 2006 and last ran in 2008 in a Republican primary against then-U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman.

You can check out his website here.