CHAMPAIGN — The chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson says he would like to replace the retiring congressman.

Johnson said last week that he plans to stop campaigning for re-election and retire at the end of his term. Former Johnson chief of staff Jerry Clarke said Monday that he would like to replace Johnson as the Republican candidate and run against Democrat David Gill. GOP officials have said he's a strong contender.

State Rep. Chapin Rose of Mahomet, meanwhile, says he isn't interested.

Another potential candidate, state Rep. Adam Brown of Decatur says he'd like to be considered.

The 65-year-old Johnson said Thursday that he will retire.

His replacement will be chosen by Republican Party leaders from the 14 counties in the 13th Congressional District