A six-year veteran of the state House of Representatives is the latest Republican to announce interest in running for Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor in 2010.

State Rep. Tom Killion, who represents the 168th District, announced today he has formed a committee to explore a run for Lieutenant Governor.

Killion said in a press release that he has been encouraged by the feedback he has received from state and local elected officials, supporters and party leaders.

"Pennsylvania is facing many critical challenges in the coming years and the 2010 election cycle is going to determine how we address these issues," said Killion. "I believe strongly that we need to maintain fiscal responsibility on the state level while creating a better economic environment that allows businesses to grow, flourish, and create new jobs."

Prior to joining the House in 2003 to fill the seat of former House Speaker Matt Ryan, Killion served as chairman of Delaware County Council from 1992 through 2000.

A business entrepreneur, Killion founded InR Advisory Services LLC., a pension advisory firm.

"My background in the legislature, combined with the expertise on local government that I developed as a county elected official, provides me with a broad and deep understanding of the issues," said Killion. "As the founder of a small business and a former member of many non-profit boards I would bring a different approach toward addressing our state's problems, an approach aimed at actual results and getting the job done."

Killion said he will continue to reach out to Republican leaders and voters throughout the state in the coming weeks, "but one thing is certain, the Republican Party needs to nominate individuals for statewide office who know the issues, who will fight for good government, and who are going to work tirelessly to build support for the Republican ticket."

In conjunction with his committee filing, Killion has also launched a campaign Web site at www.killionvictory.com

Killion has represented the residents of the 168th House District, which includes portions of Delaware and Chester counties, since 2003. He serves in the House as Deputy Republican Whip and is a member of the Appropriations Committee, Urban Affairs Committee and Insurance Committee, where he serves as Vice Chair.

The 168th Legislative District includes Media, Rose Valley, Edgmont, Middletown and Thornbury townships, as well as parts of Newtown, Upper Providence and Nether Providence townships, and Westtown.