Ron Sparks' political future remains with the Governor's race. Wednesday in Huntsville, Sparks announced he would not be jumping into the 5th District Congressional Race.
"We are more committed now than ever to stay in this Governor's race and win this Governor's race for the people of Alabama.
There had been talk Sparks may switch races after Parker Griffith switched parties. Candidates that have thrown their hat in the ring for the 5th District are Mo Brooks, Les Phillip, and the GOP's newest member, incumbent Congressman Parker Griffith.
You may notice, with five months to go until the primary election, there are still no announced Democrats running for the 5th Congressional District seat.
The future of the Democratic race for north Alabama's U.S. Representative remains unclear. But, don't rule out Madison County Commissioner Bob Harrison as a potential candidate.
"Well, there's been speculation that I may be running for Congress. I think my party chair here locally did that. It's not something that I haven't thought about, but it's not a decision that's forthright in my mind or primary in my mind," Harrison said.
He mentioned he hopes the local party selects one person and then comes together to support them. In the meantime, the party is courting potential Democrats.
"We're out talking to folks. We're, you know, seeing who has interest and who has potential," local Democratic Chairman Doug Dermody said. He predicted in the next couple days, two or three potential candidates will step forward. Then, they have five months until the primary election.
"We've got plenty of time. Griffith's decision prior to the holidays has allowed us time to come up with a good strong candidate," he said.
Dermody said Dr. David Maker, who ran two years ago, has expressed interest. Harrison also listed a few people: Public Service Commissioner Susan Parker, Judge Sue Bell Cobb and political consultant Steve Raby.
"These are all viable candidates," Harrison said, "and you know, nothing to scoff at. Folks could give you a real race come this June."
Qualifying opens for the race January 16 and ends April 2. Voters go to the polls for the primary elections June 1.
"We are more committed now than ever to stay in this Governor's race and win this Governor's race for the people of Alabama.
There had been talk Sparks may switch races after Parker Griffith switched parties. Candidates that have thrown their hat in the ring for the 5th District are Mo Brooks, Les Phillip, and the GOP's newest member, incumbent Congressman Parker Griffith.
You may notice, with five months to go until the primary election, there are still no announced Democrats running for the 5th Congressional District seat.
The future of the Democratic race for north Alabama's U.S. Representative remains unclear. But, don't rule out Madison County Commissioner Bob Harrison as a potential candidate.
"Well, there's been speculation that I may be running for Congress. I think my party chair here locally did that. It's not something that I haven't thought about, but it's not a decision that's forthright in my mind or primary in my mind," Harrison said.
He mentioned he hopes the local party selects one person and then comes together to support them. In the meantime, the party is courting potential Democrats.
"We're out talking to folks. We're, you know, seeing who has interest and who has potential," local Democratic Chairman Doug Dermody said. He predicted in the next couple days, two or three potential candidates will step forward. Then, they have five months until the primary election.
"We've got plenty of time. Griffith's decision prior to the holidays has allowed us time to come up with a good strong candidate," he said.
Dermody said Dr. David Maker, who ran two years ago, has expressed interest. Harrison also listed a few people: Public Service Commissioner Susan Parker, Judge Sue Bell Cobb and political consultant Steve Raby.
"These are all viable candidates," Harrison said, "and you know, nothing to scoff at. Folks could give you a real race come this June."
Qualifying opens for the race January 16 and ends April 2. Voters go to the polls for the primary elections June 1.
