Jackie Walorski is seriously considering a run for U.S. Congress.

The Republican state representative from Elkhart announced in a statement Wednesday that she has registered an exploratory committee for a campaign against U.S. Rep. Joe Donnelly, D-2nd.

"I am filing for my exploratory committee today because it is increasingly difficult to stand by and watch Washington move down a path that the majority of voters don't agree with," she said in the statement. "The frustration in the 2nd congressional district is palpable."

The committee filing is Walorski's first official step in pursuing candidacy against Donnelly.

The second congressional district covers much of north-central Indiana, including South Bend, Elkhart and a small portion of the northwest corner of Elkhart County. It also includes all or parts of 10 other counties, including St. Joseph, LaPorte and Howard.

Donnelly was re-elected for a second term in 2008, defeating Goshen Republican Luke Puckett, 67-30. He won the seat in 2006, beating incumbent Chris Chocola after losing to him in 2004.

Walorski has been a member of the Indiana General Assembly since 2004. She is currently the assistant Republican floor leader, vice chairwoman of the family, children and human affairs committee and a member of the public policy committee.

For more on this story, see Thursday's edition of The Elkhart Truth and eTruth.com.