Opposing Democrat John Carney, Cullis, a 55-year-old Hockessin businessman, announced Wednesday, Nov. 11, that he will seek the Republican nomination. He also criticized what he said were career politicians who are out of touch with constituents’ needs.

“I am disturbed by irresponsible decisions being made by big government and want to bring the voice of Delawareans to the floor of Congress with a fiscally and personally responsible common-sense approach,” he said.

“There’s a need for Congress to improve the business environment, lower taxes and balance the budget to provide an environment where people can buy cars and live the American dream,” said Cullis.

In October, Republican Rep. Mike Castle, a nine-term congressman, announced his intention to run for the U.S. Senate seat formerly held by Joe Biden. The run for the Senate creates an open House seat.

After Sen. Joe Biden was elected vice president, former Gov. Ruth Ann Minner appointed Democrat Sen. Ted Kaufman to the Senate. Kaufman, considered by many a placeholder, said he would not run in the 2010 Senate race. Many say Attorney General Beau Biden is also likely to run for Senate.

Cullis said Delaware Republicans have the opportunity to take back the Democratically held Senate seat and represent the GOP in the House.

He says his campaign platform includes fiscal responsibility and common-sense solutions for the complex problems facing Delaware and the nation.

“I watched while our Congress bailed out Wall Street and sold out Main Street. I watched while companies that deserved to fail for making risky and unwise business decisions were propped up with borrowed taxpayer money, and I’ve had enough,” said Cullis.

Cullis, who represents companies that sell high-tech industrial materials, says he’ll bring his strong business sense to lead constituents.

He calls himself a middle-right Republican. Married to wife, Barbara, the couple has a son and two daughters.

Cullis, a Roman Catholic, and his wife are active participants in “Paws for People,” a pet-therapy team that helps cancer patients recover at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center at Christiana Hospital.

He is also a photographer for the Hockessin Volunteer Fire Company, taking fire and accident photos for the department.

Cullis has not yet filed to run but said he plans to soon. He has not yet been endorsed by state Republicans.

“We’ve certainly been talking to state Republicans. I’m sure they’ll get behind my candidacy as my campaign continues to emerge,” he said.

Cullis, who has never held elected office, is also preparing fundraising efforts and greater campaign awareness.

“We’re going to raise as much as we can. I don’t think there’s a limit to what we’ll need. I think that’s one reason why we got an early start,” he said.

Cullis said the Cape Region voting bloc is significant in his campaign. “I think sometimes Sussex County is ignored, and we don’t want to make that mistake,” he said.