RACINE - Paulette Garin, a Kenosha native, has announced her candidacy for Wisconsin's First Congressional District in the 2008 election.

Garin, 45, will vie for the seat currently held by U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Janesville, who is currently serving his fifth term.

"Many of our current leaders use a managerial style based on fear and intimidation. We need leadership that takes on the real issues of education, health care, fiscal responsibility, and then demands measurable results," Garin said in a statement.

Garin, who has never ran for political office, has worked as a music teacher and in the non-profit sector. Garin is currently pursuing the final requirements for a certified public accountant certificate.

"What I always tell my students is go big or go home … shoot high," she said during a phone interview Tuesday of why she opted for the House as a place to attempt to begin her political career.

Garin plans to raise money for her campaign through grassroots fund raising.

"It's a very humbling experience to have someone hand you money for this purpose, it truly is, because they have put faith in you," said Garin, who noted that she began receiving contributions before announcing her candidacy at Labor Fest in Racine on Monday.

The state's First Congressional District consists of Walworth, Kenosha and Racine counties and parts of southern Waukesha and Milwaukee counties.