Jeff Ames said he's out to bring common sense to politics.

The Republican, who operates Lake City Gymnastics in Coeur d'Alene and owns Gokisport.com that sells rhythmic gymnastic equipment, will seek the District 4A Idaho House seat formerly held by the retired Marge Chadderdon during the May 15 primary.

The Coeur d'Alene man said he never dreamed he would run for office, but the current state of the government drove him there.

"I'm not a politician," he said. "I'm just a regular guy."

Ames said he is concerned about the "encroachment" of the federal government onto states.

"That sounds like more of a national issue, but it affects us here," he said.

Ames said issues such as health care, property rights and education are increasingly filtering to the states from the federal level.

"They're basically freedom-killing legislation," he said. "People need to stand up at the state level."

Ames said he believes he can make a difference by defending the Constitution and he'll vote accordingly.

"If people just followed the Constitution of the nation and the state, 90 percent of our problems would disappear," he said.

Ames said if the ship isn't corrected, the result will leave future generations in a bind.

Ames, who calls himself a conservative and would be that way with the budget, said he doesn't have any specific bills currently in mind that he would introduce, but he would listen to the public closely if elected.

"I'm learning on the job," he said. "I'd probably be more of a blockade against bad legislation, but if my constituents feel strongly about something I'd take that to the table and fight for it."

Ames grew up on a dairy farm, where he said he developed a strong work ethic. He then traveled extensively overseas as a science support carpenter. In his position, he was either the lead carpenter or project manager.

Those experiences, he said, gave him a sense for the value of a dollar.

"I don't overspend," he said. "You have to live within reality."