Republican Paul Watson announced that he has  officially launched his campaign for Florida House of  Representatives, District 11, to challenge incumbent Debbie Boyd of Newberry in the 2010 election.

Watson is a long-time resident of Gilchrist County and the pastor of Bell Baptist Church.

"Our nation and Florida are facing challenging and difficult times," Watson said.  "Bailouts, big government, and  borrowing against the future of our children are simply not  responsible.  The voters can count on me to limit spending and  higher taxes, and to stand up for the values that have made our  nation strong."

Watson grew up in Gilchrist County and is a member of the  Gilchrist County Chamber of Commerce.  He is active with the Florida  Baptist Youth Encampment and volunteers as a coach with the Suwannee  Valley League of Gilchrist County.  

Watson, his wife Christy, and  their three children reside in Bell.