Forsyth County State Rep. Tom Knox announced Wednesday that he will seek the Republican nomination for state Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner in 2010.

Knox is the eighth Republican to announce his candidacy for the post now held by John Oxendine, who is running for governor.

Others in the race include University System Compliance Officer John Fuchko; state Sens. Seth Harp and Ralph Hudgens; Peachtree City Mayor Harold Logsdon; businessmen Stephen Northington and Gerry Purcell; and former state legislator Mary Squires, the lone Democrat entered to date.

Knox is chairman of the House Insurance Committee.

"The No. 1 job of the insurance commissioner is to make sure insurance companies remain financially sound so they can meet their obligations to consumers and not become the next AIG," Knox said in a statement issued by his campaign.

"I am the only candidate with practical experience working in all aspects of the insurance industry, and we need that kind of experienced professional leadership in the insurance department during these perilous financial times."

Knox was elected to the House in 2000. He lives in Cumming on Lake Lanier with his wife, Michelle.