State Senate Minority Leader Josh Penry is speaking exclusively to 11 News about his plans for a possible run for governor.

Saturday evening Penry spoke at a Grand Junction Tea Party Rally, criticizing government spending and growth and the state and federal levels. During his speech he told the crowds the Republican Party was responsible for the tremendous national debt over the past eight years, and that it's time to change.

Penry has said he's been considering running for governor in 2010. When asked Saturday if he'd made up his mind, he had this to say:

"I've been out traveling the state to get a sense of where the support is," said Penry. "And the response has been overwhelmingly positive and we're going to make announcement very soon."

Western Slope Republican and former U.S. Representative Scott McInnis has already announced his run for governor. Penry has said he thinks a Republican primary for the nomination would be a good thing for the party.