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Once considered a candidate to switch parties, eight-term state Senator Hinton Mitchem (D – Union Grove) announces he will not run for re-election. Rumors heard here and elsewhere are that Democrats are urging state Rep. Jeff McLaughlin of Guntersville to run for the seat.
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Mitchem, the longest-serving legislator in the state Senate at this time…
“For more than 35 years now…”
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term limits, anyone?
Jeff McLaughlin should stay in the house.
Guess it’s time to start looking to the Republican candidates, as this is really a Republican state senate district. Tony Cochran, an accountant, I think would be the best choice for Huntsville and the surrounding areas.
Jeff McLaughlin is the man for the job. He needs to step up to the line.
McLaughlin would be the Democrats best hope. Should still be an easy pick-up for the GOP.
The Republicans started out much more sanguine in their ability to take The House. It appears the senate is quickly moving in their direction. I will be shocked if McGlaughlin is the horse. He does not raise money, nor will ge accept all that Barron/Bedford largesse.
Wow. Not a surprise on Mitchem, wish him the best, but big picture looks very good for GOP actually making this thing close. No one on the Dem side can be excited about taking this seat, or about the Party in general right now.
Oh, and meant to add that yes, McLaughlin, would be the Dems best shot at retaining this seat.
McL should stay put…he’s got popular issues in the House that would never fly in the Senate and he’d probably be in line for a leadership position or key committee chair in the House should Dems retain the House. Plus he couldn’t rail against the Senate the way he does now if he were to move into that august body.