Franklin County Legislator Paul Maroun has joined the race for Republican Rep. John M. McHugh‘s congressional seat. Maroun, who also works as counsel to Republican state Sen. Betty Little, told CQ he is equally or more qualified than other Republicans interested in the seat, which is due to open up when McHugh is confirmed as secretary of the Army.

President Obama nominated McHugh to the post June 2, setting up what is likely to be a competitive special election battle to succeed him.

Among his top credentials, Maroun on Monday pointed to his experience in the Naval Reserves, his work helping administer the operations of the St. Lawrence Seaway, where he served as a congressional liaison, among other tasks, and his work in the state Capitol as an aide to both Little and state Sen. Ron Stafford.