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Former Louisiana governor officially enters U.S. presidential race

21 July 2011 22:59 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. Former Louisiana Governor Buddy Roemer on Thursday formally announced his White House bid, focusing his campaign theme on keeping special interests away from Washington, APA reports quoting Xinhua.

The 67-year-old politician made the announcement at a gathering at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, a state which has the nation’s first primary.

With his "Free to Lead" campaign theme, he promised not to take donations above 100 dollars per person and to fight against special interests that control Washington.

"I have deliberately chosen a path requiring the help of many because that’s the way to win and, more importantly, that’s the way to get these mighty things done after the election," he said. "Stand with me against the special interests. Spread the word. It will change."

Roemer served as Louisiana governor from 1988 to 1992. Prior to that, he served three terms in the House of Representatives.

Many believe his bid is a long shot. Being absent from politics for more than a decade, he enjoys extremely low name recognition among the public.