Hoping to lock up support from prominent Ventura County Republicans, Camarillo attorney Jeff Gorell on Tuesday formed an exploratory committee to run for the Assembly in 2010 and announced he has already received endorsements from 31 current and former government officials.

Although the election is more than two years away, an opening on the Republican side is assured if 37th District incumbent Audra Strickland of Moorpark wins re-election in November because she will be termed out in 2010.

The district covers most of Ventura County and includes Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Camarillo, Ojai, Santa Paula, Fillmore and half of Simi Valley.

Gorell, 37, acknowledged it is exceptionally early to kick off a campaign but said the realities of modern campaigns have made an early entry imperative.

"For someone like me, who's not a rich candidate, I have to get started early to create the momentum and raise the money necessary to compete in a contemporary primary," he said.

He also said he has learned from experience after falling short in his 2004 campaign for the same office. "I waited to announce until January 2003 last time, and Audra Strickland went zooming by me at 120 mph."

Among those endorsing Gorell are former Gov. Pete Wilson, Supervisor Peter Foy, District Attorney Greg Totten, Sheriff Bob Brooks, Thousand Oaks Mayor Jacqui Irwin, Simi Valley Mayor Paul Miller and Camarillo Mayor Charlotte Craven.

Gorell is a former deputy district attorney and is a senior partner and attorney for Paladin Principle, an Oxnard-based public relations and government advocacy firm. He formerly worked in Sacramento for the Wilson administration and for California Manufacturing and Technology Association, an industry trade group.

He is a lieutenant commander in the Navy Reserve and served in Afghanistan when U.S. forces were dispatched there after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The 2004 primary, a three-way contest that also featured a self-funded candidate, was one of the most bruising and expensive GOP primaries in the state. Gorell said he hopes that by announcing early and attempting to consolidate support he might be able to avert a repeat of that experience.

"The party was strained," he said. "I want to avoid that, and the people who are supporting me early have the same desire."

Gorell said he will work to help Strickland secure re-election and that he intends "to stay beneath the radar" until after the November election to avoid any confusion about the 2008 campaign.

Strickland in November will be matched against the winner of the Democratic primary, either Ferial Masry of Newbury Park or David Hare of Camarillo.