Sen. Slade Blackwell, R-Mountain Brook, has opted to run for re-election to the State Senate rather than pursing a seat in Congress.
Blackwell was considered an early favorite among potential candidates for the 6th Congressional District seat currently held by Rep. Spencer Bachus, R-Vestavia Hills. Bachus announced last week that his current term, which expires in 2014, will be his last.
Blackwell had indicated to some insiders that he would be able to self-fund his campaign. On top of that, his unrivaled relationships in the Birmingham business community would have made it difficult for other candidates’ fundraising efforts to compete.
Blackwell joins his senate colleague Cam Ward, R-Alabaster, and House member Jack Williams, R-Vestavia, as the latest state-level elected officials to decline a shot at Congress.
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