As a campaign spokeswoman for Rep. Chet Edwards (D) sought to tamp down any speculation that he isn’t running for an 11th term next year, a wealthy oil and gas executive joined the packed Republican field in the 17th district this week.

Bill Flores (R) on Wednesday filed paperwork to qualify for the March 2 primary and also issued a statement that said the Waco-area district “deserves a common-sense, conservative Representative who has the experience to help create jobs and the backbone to stand up and say, ‘No more excessive government spending!’—

Though Flores is entering a GOP contest that presently includes 2008 nominee Rob Curnock and some other little-known Republicans, his effort is being promoted by the National Republican Congressional Committee, which said Wednesday that Edwards “is shaking in his boots today realizing that his days in Congress are numbered.—

Edwards had $1.1 million in his campaign account as October began. Campaign spokeswoman Elizabeth Connor said Edwards is “nationally recognized as a champion for veterans and military families— and would “wage a vigorous and ultimately successful campaign in 2010.—