Former Middle District of Georgia U.S. Attorney Frank Maxwell Wood threw his hat into the race for Georgia attorney general as a Republican, The Telegraph in Macon reported today.

Frank Maxwell Wood (DOJ)

Wood, who resigned as U.S. Attorney Friday, filed paperwork yesterday to run for the office that is being vacated by Georgia Attorney General Thurbert Bake, who is seeking the Georgia governor’s mansion. The former U.S. Attorney is the second Republican to announce a bid for attorney general, The Telegraph said. There are also two Democrats who have entered the race, according to the newspaper.

“This is one of the most important offices in our state when it comes to the safety and welfare of Georgia’s families,” Wood said in a news release, according to The Telegraph. “Experience and qualifications are absolutely vital. I am running to prosecute criminals and protect Georgia’s families. I want no political games, no political posturing.”

The former U.S. Attorney, a Bush appointee, served as the top federal prosecutor in the Middle District from 2001 until July 31, 2009. We previously reported that G.F. “Pete” Peterman III became the acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District after Wood stepped down. President Obama has yet to nominate a permanent U.S. Attorney for the office.

G.F. “Pete” Peterman III will be the acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia after Frank Maxwell Wood steps down today, The Associated Press reported.

The soon-to-be acting U.S. Attorney has worked in the Middle District office since 1990. He became the office’s criminal division chief in 1996 and its First Assistant U.S. Attorney in 1998. Peterman also served two prior stints as acting U.S. Attorney in 2000 and 2001.

He will serve as U.S. Attorney until there is a Senate-confirmed appointee for the Middle District. President Obama has yet to announce as U.S. Attorney nominee for the office.