Chip Saltsman, a former Tennessee Republican Party chairman, made official today his anticipated entrance to the race for Republican National Committee chairman.

"As Chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party, campaign manager for a Republican presidential campaign, and business owner, I know how to compete and how to win," said Saltsman, according to a press release distributed by Saltsman's RNC campaign. "Our party needs new and energetic leadership to rededicate ourselves to conservative principles, to regain the American voter's trust, and to set the stage for a dramatic turnaround in 2010 and beyond."

To see Saltsman's competition for the post, click here.

Another recently announced candidate is former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell, who entered the race last week. Blackwell lost a bid for governor in 2006, losing to Democrat Ted Strickland by a 61%-37% margin.