The father of slain Marine Pfc. Geoffrey Morris, killed in Iraq in April 2004, has announced his entrance into the Republican primary for the opportunity to oppose sophomore Congresswoman Melissa Bean.

Kirk Morris, 49, who backs the war, said Friday that his campaign is a way for him to honor his 19-year-old son, Pfc. Geoffrey Morris, who was killed in battle in April 2004.

“I’ve always taught my kids that if you’re willing to complain about something, be willing to put your feet in and do something about it,” said Morris, an international sales and marketing executive with a Park Ridge firm. “When Geoff joined the Marines, he was putting that mantra to work. Now it’s time for me to stand up.”

To get the nomination he will have to beat out businessman Steve Greenberg and second-time candidate Ken Arnold.

May the winner of the primary defeat the incumbent.