Former congressman Scott McInnis took the first major step in his gubernatorial bid Wednesday, filing paperwork with the Colorado Secretary of State’s office to create his campaign committee and begin raising funds.

McInnis, an attorney and Grand Junction resident, joins Evergreen businessman Don Maes in the field of Republican contenders looking to unseat Democratic Gov. Bill Ritter. State Senate Minority Leader Josh Penry, a fellow Grand Junction Republican and former McInnis staffer, is considering a run as well.

McInnis, who served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993 to 2004, said in a statement that Colorado must take steps to create jobs, jump-start its economy and restore fiscal discipline.

“We need to strengthen taxpayer protections, not tear them apart,” he said. “And we need a climate where Colorado is once again a magnet for small business and entrepreneurs, not a state that demonizes companies that offer family-sustaining jobs — and revenue.”