Relying on his conservative views and nearly four decades in real estate, Ed Morse is confident he can bring North Idaho more jobs and hold lawmakers more accountable.

The Hayden Republican and real estate appraiser is running for seat 2b in the newly created second district, now held by Rep. Phil Hart.

"I know the second district," Morse said of the area including northern Kootenai and southern Bonner counties. "I've been from one end to another end of it. I'm familiar with the demographic and geographic aspects of that district, and I think I'm qualified and capable."

Morse, who officially announced his campaign on Tuesday, said job creation is his high priority.

He will focus on ensuring laws and regulations are conducive to new businesses, he said.

"We've got to look at the whole gamut for making the area more attractive to industry," he said.

Morse has experience in public service as a board member of the Kootenai County Reagan Republicans, according to his press release. He is also a member of the Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce and previously served as a member with the Coeur d'Alene Library Foundation.

Morse can rely on his professional background to pursue legislation to help with job growth, he said. His background includes 39 years in the real estate community, and he owns Morse and Company real estate appraisal business. He has served on both state and national public boards with the real estate valuation profession.

Morse has a bachelor's in political science and business and a master's in business administration from the University of Idaho, he said, and a law degree from Gonzaga University.

As a real estate appraiser, he is familiar with the burdens of property owners and businesses, his release stated, and he hopes to lessen the burdens of government.

He will also push for more transparency if elected, he said. Morse aims to pursue stronger ethics disclosures for legislators, like financial disclosures when a member has an interest in pending rules or legislation.

"I think Phil Hart would be the poster boy of local politicians that have ethics issues," Morse said, alluding to Hart's battle against income tax while serving in the Legislature. "Hart participated in votes that he had a personal interest in, which is allowed under the House rules. I think that needs to be looked at, and those situations reformed."

Morse also supports the recent education reforms, he said, and believes a well-educated workforce will help with economic development.

Morse enjoys outdoor activities like ATV riding, fly fishing and gardening. He lives with his wife, Terri.