ATLANTA (AP) - Former Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes wants his old job back.

Two Democrats with knowledge of the decision tell The Associated Press that Barnes will jump into the 2010 governor's race at a Wednesday afternoon news conference in Marietta. The two requested anonymity because they did not want to pre-empt Barnes' announcement.

Several political insiders expert Barnes will become the front-runner for the Democratic nomination.

Barnes was ousted from the governor's mansion in 2002 by Sonny Perdue, then a little-known state senator. In recent months, the 61-year-old lawyer has been publicly flirting with a comeback.

Three Democrats already in the race are Attorney General Thurbert Baker, House Minority Leader DuBose Porter and former Georgia National Guard Commander David Poythress. Six Republicans are also running.