UPDATE: Monday, December 3, 2012 --- 8:50 a.m.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Republican state Rep. Don Pridemore says he wants to be Wisconsin's top education leader to bring a conservative approach to the job and increase the connection between schools and businesses.

Pridemore launched his candidacy Monday in Madison.

He is taking on incumbent Tony Evers, who has held the nonpartisan job of secretary of the Department of Public Instruction since 2009.

Pridemore says he will offer a "common sense, conservative approach" to the job. Pridemore has been one of the most conservative members of the Legislature and introduced an immigration reform bill similar to what passed in Arizona.

Pridemore says he will work closely with Gov. Scott Walker's administration as state superintendent.

Walker has said he may not endorse anyone in the race.

Copyright 2012: Associated Press

______________________________________________________

UPDATE Wednesday, November 28, 2012 --- 12:46 p.m.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Conservative Republican state Rep. Don Pridemore has registered to run for state superintendent of schools.

Pridemore says in a statement that the filing doesn't mean he will definitely enter the race, but he will make a decision soon.

Pridemore is required to submit the required signatures to get on the ballot by Jan. 2.

Incumbent Department of Public Instruction Secretary Tony Evers is the only other candidate in the race.

Pridemore says in his statement that the status quo is not working on "it's time for a fresh set of ideas."

Evers did not immediately return a message seeking comment.

Pridemore was first elected to the Assembly in 2004. He was unopposed when he was re-elected to a two-year term in November.

Copyright 2012: Associated Press

__________________________________________

POSTED: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 --- 9:30 a.m.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Republican state Rep. Don Pridemore of Hartford is running for Wisconsin state schools superintendent.

Pridemore registered his campaign committee with the state elections board on Wednesday. He joins incumbent state superintendent Tony Evers as the only announced candidates so far seeking the post.

The 66-year-old Pridemore was re-elected to his fifth term in the Assembly in November. He was not contested.

Candidates seeking to become secretary of the Department of Public Instruction can begin circulating nomination papers on Saturday. They are due to be returned on Jan. 2.

The election is April 2 but if more than two candidates run there will be a Feb. 19 primary.

The post is officially nonpartisan and the term runs for four years.

Copyright 2012: Associated Press