A two-term state representative from Montgomery County is the first candidate to officially throw his hat in the ring for the soon-to-be-vacated state Senate seat held by Sen. Rob Wonderling.

State Rep. Bob Mensch, R-147th Dist., announced his candidacy via e-mail today, less than 24-hours after Wonderling said he would be stepping down.

"I wish to bring my experiences in industry and government to this opportunity," Mensch said. "I am proud that I am not a career politician, but instead am someone who truly enjoys the challenges and the satisfactions of public life."

Wonderling, a Republican serving his second, four-year term, is leaving to take the helm of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce.

His resignation should set off a scramble for the 24th state Senate seat, which spans parts of Bucks, Lehigh, Montgomery and Northampton counties.

Mensch was elected to the state House in 2006 and currently serves on the House Consumer Affairs, Subcommittee on Telecommunications Committee (minority chairman); Insurance Committee; and Local Government Committee (minority secretary).

For more on Mensch, visit his campaign Web site, www.electmensch.com