Republican Rep. Zach Wamp announced Monday his intention to run for Tennessee governor in 2010, following former Republican Sen. Bill Frist’s decision to eschew a bid.

Wamp, who recently won re-election to an 8th term in Congress, stressed in a statement that he will make his House service a priority in the coming years, but that he will campaign for governor. “I believe the time is at hand for me to expand my service to help even more people in our great state by pursuing the office of Governor,” Wamp stated.

Frist, who retired in 2007, was regarded as a top prospect for the seat and many candidates predicated their personal decision to run on whether Frist would be a candidate.

Frist announced Jan. 4 that he will not be a candidate, in favor of working in the private sector to reform K-12 education and improve access to quality health care, among other interests.

“After careful consideration with Karyn, the boys, and friends, I’ve concluded that it is not practical or realistic to pursue my current passions and interests and also devote the necessary time and resources to run a statewide political race,” Frist stated. “I have therefore decided not to run for governor in 2010 and rather continue serve others through focused involvement in the private sector.”

Frist holds high statewide name recognition and a proven his ability to raise funds. Bruce Oppenheimer, political scientist at Vanderbilt University said Frist’s decision drastically changed the race’s landscape on both sides, noting that many candidates wouldn’t have gone up against him.

“You never want to play poker with people who have more money and resources than you do,” Oppenheimer said.

District Attorney Bill Gibbons, a Republican, announced his candidacy yesterday in the wake of Frist’s public statement.

“As governor, I will place priority on two issues – crime and schools – that pose big challenges to our state and that we must address if we are to achieve a better future for Tennessee,” Gibbons said in his announcement.

Additional Republicans mentioned as possible candidates include Rep. Marsha Blackburn of the 7th District, Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam, and lieutenant governor Ron Ramsey.

Republicans are eager to vie for the seat, which has been held by Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen since his 2002 election. Bredesen is term-limited and is not permitted to run for re-election in 2010.

Democratic former state House Majority Leader Kim McMillan is exploring a campaign for governor. Democratic former Rep. Harold E. Ford Jr., head of the Democratic Leadership Council, and Democratic Rep. Lincoln Davis of Middle Tennessee’s 4th District are both named as top Democratic prospects for the seat but have not announced their campaign plans.

“Congressman Davis has expressed a strong interest to run for governor and his decision will be made in the coming months after carefully weighing how best to serve his district and the people of Tennessee,” Davis spokesman Tom Hayden said in a statement Monday.