Alabama Minority GOP Chairman Phillip Brown today announced he is launching his first bid for public office, challenging incumbent Republican Terry Dunn for place 2 on the Alabama Public Service Commission. Brown is currently on a two-day statewide announcement tour with stops in Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, and Montgomery.

Brown says his campaign platform includes plans to reduce the PSC’s operating expenses, establish a balance between energy rates and utility profits, and bring more jobs to Alabama.

“I believe I will be a strong conservative voice for the rate payer in Alabama,” Brown said. “Alabamians need someone to be a voice for them, not the environmental or Montgomery special interests.”

Brown is the second challenger Dunn has drawn in his bid for another term on the PSC, and more primary candidates are likely to follow. Former Greene County Commission Chairman Chris “Chip” Beeker announced his candidacy in June.

Dunn was elected to the Public Service Commission in 2010, but he has since found himself in the crosshairs of fellow Republicans who have expressed concerns with his decision to side with environmental groups during contentious utility rate reviews.

Brown said Monday that every government agency should have a “fiscally responsible plan for its citizens,” adding, “I have the business experience and conservative resume to get the job done.”