Republican Gregory Nemitz formally filed as a write-in candidate Friday afternoon in the campaign for the 2nd District of Congress against Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, according to the Idaho Secretary of State's office.

Nemitz, a Twin Falls businessman who lost to Simpson in the May primary, said he is running primarily because of Simpson's support of the $700 billion rescue plan Congress approved in hopes of saving the nation's troubled financial institutions.

"I don't think people are going to forget about it," he said.

He described the legislation as a "waste of money" that will give the government too much power. He said others shared the same sentiment and encouraged him to run.

In the primary, Nemitz received 3,747 votes but Simpson, who is seeking his fifth term, received 49,586 votes.

There are no other write-in candidates, according to the secretary of state.

Nemitz, a supporter of former GOP presidential candidate Ron Paul, said during the primary season he was running because the federal government is too involved in the lives of Americans. He also proposed government incentives to drive technological innovation.

The Democrat in the race is Deborah Holmes from Boise.

Simpson, a dentist from Blackfoot, is heavily favored to win the election.

Simpson spokeswoman Nikki Watts said he took in all the factors in supporting the rescue plan, including constituents and all the research available.

"It is a decision he does not take lightly," she said. "It's unfortunate we're in the situation we are in. It's the lesser of two evils but one that he felt he had to do."

Jared S. Hopkins may be reached at 208-735-3204 or jhopkins@magicvalley.com.