GREENEVILLE-State Rep. Eddie Yokley (D-Greeneville) has announced his decision to seek re-election to the Tennessee House of Representatives.

Rep. Yokley represents House District 11, which includes Cocke and Greene counties.

"After talking with my family, my friends, my fellow colleagues and most importantly, my constituents in Cocke and Greene counties, I am announcing today my intent to seek reelection as the State Representative for the 11th District," Yokley said.

"While we have accomplished a number of important goals in my time in the Legislature, I feel there is still important work to be done on behalf of the citizens my district. It has been my honor to serving the citizens of Cocke and Greene counties and it is my hope that they will continue to give me the honor of serving them in the future."

First elected to the legislature in 2002, Rep. Eddie Yokley has served in a number of important roles during his eight years. In his first year, Rep. Yokley was one of a select group of freshman legislators picked to serve in committee leadership. Today he serves as Chairman of the House Elections Subcommittee as well as serves on the House Commerce and House State and Local Committees.

"It has been an honor and privilege to serve in a leadership role throughout my time in the House and it is my hope that I will continue to have that privilege in the years to come," Yokley said.

"For Tennessee to continue to move forward, we must have leaders willing to make the tough decisions and do what's right for all Tennesseans and not just a select few."

Throughout his time in the Tennessee Legislature, Rep. Yokley has championed the values of fiscal responsibility, conservation and family values. That commitment to conservative values has been seen in his support of SJR127, his work with Governor Bredesen to pass balanced budgets year after year, and his sponsorship of bill designed to improve conservation and clean-up initiatives for the Pigeon River.

"Last year Tennessee faced a financial crisis not seen since the Great Depression and, even with such gloomy fiscal news, we in the Legislature were able to work together, in a bipartisan manner, to pass a state budget without raising taxes or having to make extreme job cuts," Yokley said.

"My commitment to doing what's best for the people of my district and the people of Tennessee has been and will continue to be my driving focus as we move ahead to face new challenges in the years to come."