Eagar said her campaign will have five ideals: "fiscal restraint, limited government, free-market solutions, energy independence and a strong national defense, all ideals for which Ronald Reagan and our founders stood."

She chose to announce her campaign at a Marie Callender's restaurant instead of a government building, she said, to show her support for free enterprise by standing in a business "that has thrived because of the free market that we are now fast losing."

"I'm a real person. I've faced joy and sorrow, success and failure," she said. "I've made some brilliant choices and some poor ones. I've been a single mom, and I know the struggle. I've raised five wonderful children, and I have nine darling grandchildren … I'm doing this for them."

Among supporters at her announcement was Gayle Ruzicka, leader of the conservative Eagle Forum.

"She's a personal friend, and she represents the same values that I have," Ruzicka said of Eagar. "She's been involved (in politics) for years and years, and I know the foundation that she's coming from. I know she won't change. What she says is what she'll do — and that's important."

E-MAIL: lee@desnews.com