Early Monday, Vaughn Ward, Republican Congressional hopeful, announced state education Superintendent Tom Luna and former Governor Dirk Kempthorne as his campaign co-chairs on a release on his website.

Here is the full text of the release:

Eagle, ID - On Monday, 1st Congressional candidate Vaughn Ward announced that Former Idaho Governor and Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne and Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna would chair his campaign.

"I understand how important it is to have someone in Congress who will stand up for our conservative values. Vaughn is the leader we need representing our values in Congress. Vaughn has the courage, leadership and experience to help put our country back on the right track. I know Vaughn will go to Washington, DC and fight to reduce spending, lower taxes, and put Idahoans back to work. I have no doubt that Vaughn will be a true advocate for the people of Idaho," Kempthorne said.

"Vaughn is a dedicated Republican and an outstanding leader who possesses an impressive record of service to our state and country. He will usher in a new era of Republican leaders in our state and nation. Vaughn has my faith and confidence that he will represent my family and all Idahoans well in Congress and work tirelessly to bring some Idaho common sense to Washington, DC." Luna said.

"I'm honored to have Secretary Kempthorne and Superintendent Luna's support," said Ward. "They both have proven that Republicans are the party of ideas and common sense solutions, while showing a remarkable ability to put these traits to work on behalf of Idaho's taxpayers," concluded Ward.

Ward will face state Rep. Raul Labrador, R-Eagle, in the Republican primary election on May.  The winner of that contest will face Democrat Walt Minnick in the general election in November.