Arizona Congressman Announces U.S. Senate Bid

FILE: Nov. 2, 2010: Rep. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., at an event in Phoenix. (AP)

PHOENIX -- U.S. Rep. Jeff Flake of Arizona has announced he is seeking the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in 2012.

Flake made the announcement Monday in Phoenix at the same hotel where Republican Sen. Jon Kyl announced Thursday that he would not seek re-election.

Flake says his priorities include balancing the federal government's budget, securing the border and working on transportation and water policy issues.

Flake says broader action is needed on illegal immigration than just border security but that border security "needs to be the focus."

On the budget, Flake says everything needs to be on the table, including possible changes to Social Security. But he said changes shouldn't apply to current beneficiaries.

Flake has represented the 6th Congressional District in the Phoenix area since 2001.