A Bedford County man is looking for a change in careers in 2011 from assembly line worker to 5th District congressman.

Bradley Rees, 31, has been making stops around the district to let people know he's planning to run for the Republican nomination to challenge U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello, D-Albemarle County.

"I have witnessed an increasing level of disgust with our decades-old political playing field of handpicked, carefully groomed, mostly self-financed candidates," Rees said in an e-mail to The Roanoke Times.

Rees said he's been an employee of FlowServe Corp. in Lynchburg for the past four years and is a father of two. He said he's an activist for tax reform and a supporter of the Fair Tax initiative.

His belief in the need for tax reform was the main reason he decided to run, Rees said.

He said his blue-collar background and his own struggle will influence his decisions if elected, he said.

Perriello had no comment about Rees' candidacy.

Former Rep. Virgil Goode, R-Rocky Mount, has not announced if he'll run again. Campaign finance reports filed Wednesday show that Goode is continuing some activity.

He raised $154 over the last reporting period and has a total of about $139,000.

Rees says he respects Goode, but he will run no matter what Goode decides.

"While the members of this campaign hold Virgil Goode in very high regard and have the utmost respect for his service, this election is too critical for some 'Rocky II' rematch fantasy that will leave a younger, slightly more invigorating candidate like Tom Perriello in a better position to win," said Michael Ernette, campaign manager for Rees.