State Sen. Jack Goodman (R) is the first candidate to officially jump into the race to replace Rep. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), who is running for Senate in 2010.

“Our nation is in need of leaders with the solid core principles on which our nation was founded and with which we live our lives every day in southwest Missouri,— Goodman said in a statement.

Goodman hails from the more rural southern part of the district and is not expected to be the only formidable candidate in the race. GOP state Sen. Gary Nodler, from the western part of the district, has also expressed interest in Blunt’s seat, as well as state Rep. Bryan Stevenson (R), Nixa Alderman Kevin Elmer (R) and former state Rep. B.J. Marsh (R).

Nestled in the southwestern corner of the state, the 7th district is a mostly rural expanse except for the city of Springfield. The district has voted consistently for Republicans, and the 2010 GOP primary will likely determine Blunt’s successor.