State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, R-12th, plans to run for the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor in the spring primary.

The six-term lawmaker from Cranberry Township was to announce his candidacy for the state's No. 2 post at a State Capitol event this morning.

But Metcalfe, whose district encompasses the southern portion of Butler County, is not alone. In all, nine Republicans filed nominating petitions by Tuesday's 5 p.m. deadline to get their names on the May 18 primary ballot for lieutenant governor.

Metcalfe, kept his candidacy for the statewide office close to the vest and waited to file his signature petitions at Tuesday's deadline brink.

His supporters just before 4 p.m., issued an advisory by e-mail announcing his intent to seek the post.

The advisory trumpets Metcalfe's right-wing credentials such as being a "multiple-time, highest-ranking lawmaker" on the Commonwealth Foundation's annual Liberty Index.

The index, compiled by the Harrisburg-based conservative think tank, ranks legislators' voting records based on whether their votes expanded personal liberty or contracted it.