A Fluvanna County educator and long-time Republican activist is poised to seek the 5th District congressional seat held by Democrat Tom Perriello of Albemarle County.

Feda Kidd Morton announced Friday that she will file papers to launch a campaign and stage a formal kickoff shortly after Labor Day. She is the second Republican to announce plans to try to unseat the freshman Democrat.

Morton, 56, said she decided to enter the race after former Rep. Virgil Goode of Rocky Mount announced he would not seek the GOP nomination. Goode served six terms in Congress before losing a close race to Perriello in November.

In a statement announcing her candidacy, Morton said she has been "overwhelmed with the calls and e-mails encouraging me to consider this race."

Goode's decision not to seek the nomination has fueled speculation about several prospective GOP candidates in the sprawling district, which extends from Charlottesville to Danville and includes Franklin County and part of Bedford County. But, so far, only Morton and political newcomer Bradley Rees of Bedford County have said they plan to run.

Morton said the country "is dangerously off on the wrong track" and that Perriello is too closely aligned with the agendas of President Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

"I respect the fact that Tom Perriello is willing to stand up for what he believes in," Morton's statement said. "But his votes simply aren't in line with the values of the 5th congressional district."

Morton teaches biology at Fluvanna County High School and has served on the county's school board. She led the Fluvanna Republican Committee from 1995 to 2005 and has served on the state party's central committee.