Bonner Says He Won't Run For Governor

Jo Bonner of Mobile won't leave his seat in Congress to run for governor next year. Bonner, who is serving his fourth congressional term, says it wasn't the right time to run a statewide campaign.

By: Jamie Burch | WKRG-TV
Published: February 03, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) - Republican Rep. Jo Bonner of Mobile won't
leave his seat in Congress to run for governor next year.

Bonner, who is serving his fourth congressional term, announced
the decision Tuesday, saying he decided it wasn't the right time to
run a statewide campaign.

“I have great respect and admiration for Jo Bonner," said democratic Congressman Artur Davis. "He would have been, in my opinion, the most formidable candidate that the Republican Party could have run for Governor. More importantly, he would have been and may yet be one day a very good governor of our state. I wish Jo well as he continues the good work he does for the 1st District.”

Greenville businessman Tim James is so far the only declared
Republican candidate to succeed Republican Gov. Bob Riley.

Other Republicans who say they are being encouraged to run or
who have taken initial campaign steps include state two-year
college Chancellor Bradley Byrne, former Alabama Chief Justice Roy
Moore, state Rep. Robert Bentley, Attorney General Troy King,
Birmingham lawyer Luther Strange, Troy University Chancellor Jack
Hawkins, state House Minority Leader Mike Hubbard and State
Treasurer Kay Ivey.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)