WBRZ - Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE- House Speaker Jim Tucker announced his candidacy today for secretary of state in the October election.

Tucker, a Republican term-limited from his House seat, made the announcement while speaking Monday to the Press Club of Baton Rouge.

"Since taking office, I have saved taxpayers money, made it easier for small businesses to get up and running and proposed legislation that reduces the number of special elections to save time and money," Tucker said in a press release.

If he gets in the Oct. 22 primary, Tucker would be taking on two other Republicans: current officeholder Tom Schedler from St. Tammany Parish and state Rep. Walker Hines of New Orleans. Also previously announced to be running is Democrat Caroline Fayard, who lost her bid in the lieutenant governor's race last year.