SAN DIEGO -- A former San Diego Chargers defensive back is expected to announce his intention to seek the 50th Congressional District seat given up by former Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham.

Scott Turner, a 33-year-old Republican who played with the Chargers from 1998 to 2001, is expected to make a formal candidacy announcement Tuesday.

A torn hamstring ended Turner's 10-year professional football career in August 2004. An internship that summer with Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-El Cajon, inspired him to think beyond the playing field.

Turner, who lives in Encinitas, said his priorities will be keeping the military strong and the borders secure and giving young people more opportunities to excel in school, sports and extracurricular activities.

Six other Republicans have begun campaigning for the seat: State Sen. Bill Morrow of Oceanside; former Assemblyman Howard Kaloogian of San Marcos; former Rep. Brian Bilbray of Carlsbad; former Del Mar Mayor Richard Earnest; and businessmen Alan Uke of Del Mar and Ken King of Rancho Santa Fe.

Cardiff school board member Francine Busby is the sole Democrat in the race.

The 50th District seat opened up in November when Cunningham resigned after pleading guilty to tax evasion and taking $2.4 million in bribes. A special election will be held April 11 to fill the remainder of his term.

Turner wouldn't be the first to move from the NFL to Congress. Former Rep. Jack Kemp, R-N.Y., was a Chargers quarterback, and former Rep. Steve Largent, R-Okla., a wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks.