CHEYENNE (AP) - Saying someone needs to stand up in Washington for better government, a Cheyenne man with no political experience announced Friday he is running for the Republican nomination for U.S. House.

Swede Nelson, who lists himself as a motivational speaker and part-time substitute teacher, is the first announced candidate for the seat held by Rep. Barbara Cubin, R-Wyo.

"I think we can do better," he said. "I want to do better."

Nelson, 63, said his early announcement is because he doesn't have great name recognition and needs to work hard in attracting volunteers and campaign donations.

"I fully recognize my place in the race at this time, certainly it's behind the power curve," he said.

Nelson said Wyoming needs a representative to stand up against "corruption," "sleaze" and a "do-nothing Congress."

Not all members of Congress are corrupt, he said, but Cubin and others are part of the problem.

"I don't see her standing up and saying it's wrong," Nelson said. "I do see her on the far right, engaged in partisanship - in strong partisanship - and that's why we have a do-nothing Congress."

Nelson speculated that he didn't think Cubin would seek an eighth two-year term next year, citing her husband's extensive health problems that have left him near death at times.

"I'm sure the wellness of a spouse has to be an enormous burden on somebody's mind, and I'm sure that will play in her decision," he said.

Nelson has never run for statewide office before. He failed in a bid for the Cheyenne City Council last year.

Cubin narrowly won re-election last year against Democrat Gary Trauner and hasn't made her intentions known as far as running again in 2008.

Messages left with Cubin's press secretary were not immediately returned.