Oldest Ala. House member will run again

  MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - The oldest member of the Alabama House
of Representatives says he’s changed his mind and will seek another
term.
    Rep. Bill Dukes, D-Decatur, announced on Sept. 11 that he would
not run again. But the 82-year-old Dukes told The Decatur Daily
that after thinking about the needs of his district, he wants to
continue in Alabama House District 8 seat that serves part of
Decatur and Morgan County.
    Dukes, a Democrat whose political career spans more than four
decades, has held the District 8 seat since 1994. In past races he
ran unopposed, but even if he has no Democratic opponent he will
face Republican opposition in 2010. Jason Putnam has announced for
the seat in the Republican primary. Putnam issued a statement
welcoming Dukes back into the race.