Arkansas News Bureau

LITTLE ROCK — Little Rock restaurateur Scott Wallace, a Republican, announced his intentions today to run for the 2nd District congressional seat held by U.S. Rep. Vic Snyder, D-Ark.

Wallace accused the Democratic incumbent of being out of touch with Central Arkansas voters.

“I’m not a Washington insider, I’m just a regular guy offering you a fresh start,” the owner of Bruno’s Little Italy said at his announcement at the state Capitol.

Wallace said he is concerned about the growing national deficit and believes that Snyder has aligned himself with the Obama administration on numerous issues, including government-run health care. Snyder has said he does not think a so-called “public option” is a must-have component of national health care reform.

Republicans Tim Griffin of Little Rock, a former U.S. attorney, and former insurance executive David Meeks of Conway previously announced their candidacies for the GOP nomination to challenge Snyder.