Assembly Speaker John Gard, R-Peshtigo, announced Wednesday his likely candidacy for the United States Congress by forming an exploratory committee for the race.

Though Gard did not officially announce his bid for the 8th District seat, forming a committee that will explore the feasibility of a congressional candidacy is often the first step in that direction.

“Hope, opportunity and freedom … will be the focus of the team I build,” Gard said in a statement. “Our tax burden is stifling the ability to realize the American dream for many Wisconsin families.”

Growing jobs and expanding opportunities must be a high priority, Gard added.

Gard, first elected to the State Assembly in 1987, has served as Assembly Speaker since 2003. Additionally, Gard holds seats on a number of committees, including the Committee on Employment Relations and the Committee on Assembly Organization, both of which he currently chairs.

The Republican leader grew up on a farm in Lena, Wis., and is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He is married to Cate Zeuske, a former state legislator and treasurer.

The Assembly Speaker is the second candidate to enter the race for the 8th District seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Mark Green, R-Wisconsin. Green is expected to run for governor in 2006, leaving the seat open.

Jamie Wall, a Green Bay Democratic businessman and UW graduate, announced his bid for Congress last week. He said he accepts Gard’s challenge in the race and is confident he can successfully represent northeast Wisconsin.

“I welcome Representative Gard’s entrance into the race,” Wall said.

Wall said he will work hard for Wisconsinites because he has a very “strong, positive message that speaks to regular people.”

“I want to focus on the issues that matter, like economic growth, job creation, restoring fiscal responsibility in Washington and the current crisis in health care.”

As a former student government co-president, Wall described his experience at UW as “some of the best years of his life.”

Wall previously served as head of the state’s economic development program at the Wisconsin Department of Commerce. He is currently an independent business consultant in Green Bay and founding member of the Northeast Wisconsin Development Partnership.

But Gard has many supporters who foresee ample support for his win. A Republican has historically represented the 8th Congressional District, and residents of this area are traditionally in favor of conservative objectives.

In addition to grassroots support, a number of state legislators are publicly backing Gard.

According to State Rep. and Assembly Speaker Pro Tempore Steve Freese, R-Dodgeville, who has worked with Gard for 14 years, Gard is “an extraordinary leader and representative of rural Wisconsin.”

While both Gard and Wall are equally optimistic about their chances, Freese expects Gard to leave the State Assembly soon, packing his bags for Washington, D.C.

“I think it’s very realistic that if [Gard] wins the primaries, he’ll become the next member of Congress representing Wisconsin’s 8th District,” Freese said.

The primary election will be held Sept. 12, 2006.

— Rachel Patzer contributed to this article.