Former radio show host Jason Lewis announced this morning he will run for Congress in Minnesota's Second Congressional District, saying "I've been talking about public policy for decades, now I'm ready to make it."

Lewis became the fourth Republican candidate in the race to replace Republican Congressman John Kline, who announced last month that he would not seek re-election to Congress next year.

In a video released this morning announcing his campaign, Lewis called out "establishment politicians in both parties," adding "their backroom deals have riddled our tax code with loopholes and special interest deductions and they have spent far too much."

Lewis described his style of campaigning in an interview this morning, saying "this is not going to be a campaign about spin, fluff or trying to portray yourself as something you're not."

"I like policy and this is going to be about ideas," said Lewis. "I want to change the office, I want to change the country, I want to do something that will have a positive effect for the people," added Lewis.

Lewis joins a crowded field of Republican candidates hoping to replace Kline in Congress, but his candidacy has already been praised by one of the top Republicans in the district.

Sen. Dave Thompson, R-Lakeville, who announced last month he would not run for Congress, said last evening that Lewis has been "a leading advocate of good public policy for decades."

Thompson said Lewis' "understanding of the issues and ability to communicate will make him an excellent candidate for Congress in Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District."

Pam Myhra, who served two-terms in the Minnesota House of Representatives from Burnsville and was a candidate for lieutenant governor in 2014, announced her candidacy for Congress last week.

Republican David Gerson, who challenged Kline in 2012 and 2014, announced in January he was running for Congress again in 2016. Former State Senator John Howe, R-Red Wing, announced his candidacy last month.

Lewis, who is 60, said "I want to get things done" in Congress and if elected Lewis said he would be a "citizen legislator, who serves for a short time and then comes home."

Former Sen. Ted Daley, R-Eagan, and Chris Andryski, a CPA from Savage, are also considered possible Republican congressional candidates in the district. Andryski confirmed this morning that he is still contemplating a run for Congress.

Two Democratic candidates, Angie Craig and Mary Lawrence, have both announced they are running for Congress.

This is not Lewis' first run for Congress. In 1990, Lewis ran for Congress in Colorado's Second Congressional District, challenging Democratic Rep. David Skaggs. Skaggs defeated Lewis, winning over 60 percent of the vote in the general election.

Picture source: Jason Lewis for Congress