SOUTH POINT - Political hopeful Richard Holt has already made history but the South Point resident is more interested in making changes in the U.S. government.

Holt, 24, is finishing his petitions to run as a Republican candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives' 6th district seat that will be vacated next year when Ted Strickland makes his bid to be Ohio's governor.

"I am the youngest African American in history to run for Congress. We have to put a stop to another decade of more of the same (type of government)," the lifelong Lawrence County resident said, adding that he has never been a guy to stand on the sidelines.

"… The district needs a quarterback willing to get out of the huddle, get into the game and who has what it takes to win."

Holt's exact Republican opponent in the March 2006 primary has yet to be determined. Noble County Commissioner Danny Harmon is considered to be one GOP candidate. Another name mentioned is Ohio State Rep. Charles Blasdell of East Liverpool, who said he is giving the idea "serious consideration."

Charlie Wilson, Ohio's 30th district State Senator, is the only major Democratic candidate that has announced plans to run.

Holt, a co-owner of political activist group and former National Guardsman, remains undaunted by any competition, emphasizing that the time is right for change within the district.

"Right now, our country is fighting a war on terror and is in economic recovery because of Republican policies. Southern Ohio and the 6th district are being left behind because of bad representation," he said. "I would provide good representation and work to make Ohio competitive in our modern economy to make sure than we are not left behind."

Holt said he would work with Congress to make tax cuts permanent and fight for the family issues Holt said are so important to him.

As a candidate for Ohio's U.S. Representative's 89th district last year, Holt has been a vocal opponent of same-sex marriages and abortion.

Married to wife, Virginia, the couple has a daughter, Ainsley, 2.

Holt will host an announcement reception at 8 p.m. Thursday at the Grandview Inn in South Point. Organizers are seeking donations of $10 from the public

to attend the event.