Catering to a small crowd, Gregory Nemitz, a Republican from Twin Falls, officially announced his candidacy for Idaho's Second Congressional District on Wednesday.

Braving swirling snow-flakes and a nippy breeze, Nemitz, 50, presented a speech under Buhl's Centennial Clock outlining his goals for bringing change to Capitol Hill and Idaho.

"I decided to run because I got fired up with the presidential campaign," Nemitz told the Times-News. "I feel I can make a difference and that a lot of people feel things could be better. (U.S. Rep.) Mike Simpson has been in office for 10 years now, and if people aren't happy with the way things are going then it's time to change things."

Nemitz said he believes the federal government has grown too large and intrusive and that current Idaho representatives aren't following the party platform.

"I embrace the conservative Republican values of liberty, property rights and equal opportunities for everyone," he said. "I will faithfully execute the duties of that office, if elected, and uphold and defend the Constitution, as it was written."

Other priorities expressed by Nemitz include restoring the economy, developing water resources for Idaho, expanding military veteran benefits and keeping Social Security funds from being used for other purposes.

Nemitz said he wanted to start his candidacy small, and small it was since only four people turned out to the event Wednesday. Buhl resident Rick Martin, one of the four who attended, agreed with Nemitz that change is needed.

"I agree with Greg, Simpson is not following the Idaho Republic platform and I think there are pressing issues in Idaho that aren't being addressed," Martin said.

Nemitz has lived in Idaho for two years and currently runs an Internet-based business, Beefjerky.com.

"I have the time it takes and the ability to listen to the citizens of Idaho, to represent what they want," he said.

Blair Koch may be reached at 316-2607 or blairkoch@gmail.com.