Amid a federal investigation into his former top fundraiser, U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky has filed his intention to again run for office.

Visclosky, a Merrillville Democrat, filed his statement of candidacy this month with the Federal Election Commission, signaling his aim to retain his federal post in 2010.

"I am running for re-election so that I can continue to work for the people of Northwest Indiana on the issues that matter most to them," Visclosky said in a statement to The Times. "I will keep on leading the effort to build a new economy in Northwest Indiana with more jobs, greater opportunities and improved quality of life."

In November, the FBI raided the offices of Virginia-based The PMA Group, a firm that had been Visclosky's biggest single source of campaign cash before it closed its doors last month.

Visclosky has not been charged in the investigation and has said he has done nothing wrong related to the now-defunct firm.

Visclosky returned $18,000 in campaign funds to the U.S. Treasury last month, after vowing to release funds linked to the lobbying firm. He has hired a law firm specializing in campaign finance law to ensure his FEC records are in legal order.

Next year's election will mark Visclosky's 14th bid to represent Indiana's 1st Congressional District. -- By Christine Kraly, The Times