Bowles ambivalent about running for state Senate seat | The Augusta Chronicle

Let’s just say former Augusta Commission member Joe Bowles is ambivalent.

Last week he said he’d announce plans to run for the District 22 state Senate seat next year when sitting Sen. Hardie Davis officially announces he’ll run for mayor of Augusta.

This week, he said his wife, Sandy, has “pretty much” talked him out of it.

“It’s a possibility I’ll run, though,” he said. “Don’t put me down as ‘no.’ ”

Retired Navy F-14 flight officer Wright McLeod is not ambivalent about running a second time for the 12th District congressional seat – just torn between wanting to “fix things” in Washington and reality.

“I want to do it,” he said. “Absolutely. I want to win. My background lies in Washington … and I’m concerned about the way our country is going.”

But McLeod, who came in third in last year’s Republican primary, is concerned about raising money and running against Democrat incumbent John Barrow, who’ll have plenty.

“In the Navy, they teach you to acknowledge your own capabilities. Know your opponent’s capabilities. And if his are greater than yours, don’t fight. Live to fight another day,” he said.

Republican John Stone, who ran against Barrow in 2008, has announced his candidacy. Augusta businessman Rick Allen, who placed second in last year’s Republican primary, said he’d announce his intention after last weekend’s state GOP convention. So far, he hasn’t.

State Sen. Tommie Williams, R-Lyons, who had said he might run, has decided against it.

via Bowles ambivalent about running for state Senate seat | The Augusta Chronicle.