(Alabama Democrat) Bud Cramer will not seek re-election

[MelissaB]

Bud Cramer will not seek re-election
Updated: March 13, 2008 06:18 PM


Congressman Bud Cramer announced this evening that he will not seek re-election to Congress from Alabama's Fifth Congressional District and issued the following statement:

"After much thought and discussion with my family, I have decided not to seek re-election to Congress in November. This was a difficult decision, but after 28 years of public service it is time for me to step aside, spend more time with my family and begin another chapter in my life. Serving nine terms in Congress has been an exciting and rewarding experience and I am proud to have played a part in the growth and development of the entire north Alabama region. I believe that this is a good time for me to step aside and transition to new leadership. The BRAC move is well underway, new industry and jobs are locating in the Shoals, the Hudson Alpha Institute has a state of the art home and we have invested in new roads and infrastructure across this district that will continue to attract new jobs, development and growth for many years to come."

"I have been truly blessed to be able to serve this district in Washington. While I am closing my career as a member of Congress I will continue to be active in the life, growth and development of the community that I, my parents and my grandchildren will always call home."

Congressman Cramer was elected to Congress in 1990 after serving ten years as Madison County's District Attorney. He was re-elected to Congress eight times and is known around the world for his work on behalf of children and as the founder of the National Children's Advocacy Center. In north Alabama he is best known for his support of our defense and aerospace industries, his efforts to secure the North Alabama Weather Forecasting Office, and to bring new jobs and economic development to our region. During his service in Congress he played a critical role in several major economic development projects such as US Gypsum, Toyota, National Rail Car, North American Lighting, Steelcase, the Boeing rocket plant in Decatur and the establishment of the Hudson Alpha Institute.


Link: http://www.waff.com/Global/story.asp?S=8013452&Call=Email&Format=HTML

[rpannier]

1. Wish him well

Hope the district stays Democratic

[MelissaB]

2. From another article:

...snip

The surprise announcement leaves little time for campaigning before the state's June 3 party primaries and opens up a competitive district that Republicans have long eyed as a pickup opportunity.


http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/congress/16660416.html

[MelissaB]

3. Hellava time for an Ala. dem to be stepping down.

I'm off to bed.

[lifesbeautifulmagic]

4. jeebus, the way alabama dems have been targeted...

I'd get out of public life as well. :scared: :scared: :scared: :scared:

[Wabbajack_]

5. Uh oh this seat will go red

[nealmhughes]

6. Probably this seat will remain Democratic. The 5th is the one of the two solidly DP districts in AL

Republicans have tried for decades to bring the Loyal Fifth to their side, to no avail. The past few races they can not even find a candidate to run against Bud.
There are a great number of present and former DP leaders in the district, such as two former US Senate candidates, Roger Bedford and Susan Parker who may well want the seat, as well as rising stars like Dr. Parker Griffin in the State Senate. One local judge, Deborah Paseur recently resigned to focus on her state Supreme Court race, but may be convinced to run.
In the Fifth, "politician" is nearly synomous with "Democrat" when referring to local offices and the House of Representatives.

[Wabbajack_]

7. Not challenging an incumbent is one thing

few are, the seat is open now and * took 60% in 2004. No worries though it's just one seat, the Dems are bound to lose a few they currently hold while gaining some others. 2006 when one party doesn't lose any is very rare, hadn't happened since 48. Even in 1994 when the pubs took over they lost 4 of their own seats.