House Minority Leader John Boehner (R) has attracted a primary challenge, according to local news reports.

Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones has reportedly put together the initial paperwork to get on the ballot in Ohio and challenge Boehner in the Republican primary in 2010. An outspoken advocate against illegal immigration, Jones told the Oxford Press that he is forming an exploratory committee to prepare for a Congressional run.

“At this point I am the sheriff of Butler County, I am not a Congressional candidate,— Jones told the newspaper. “I love being the sheriff and working with the people. I am looking to see if I can do more by remaining sheriff or as a Congressman.—

Boehner has not given any indication that he might be looking to leave Congress or the No. 1 House GOP leadership post that he holds. The 8th district is reliable territory for Republicans. Boehner has yet to win re-election with less than 61 percent of the vote since his first contest in 1990.