Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Rick Goddard (R) is set to officially launch his bid against Rep. Jim Marshall (D) today in Warner Robbins, just down the street from the Air Force base where he once worked.

Goddard will make the announcement at 10:30 a.m.

A Vietnam veteran, Goddard retired from the military in 2000, at which time he was commander of the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center at Robins Air Force Base. The base is located in the south central 8th district, and most of its employees live there as well.

National Republicans are elated by Goddard’s candidacy. Marshall was re-elected last year by fewer than 2,000 votes, and his district favors Republicans.

— Lauren W. Whittington