Former Selma Mayor drops out of congressional race

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Former Selma Mayor James Perkins has ended his campaign for Rep. Artur Davis's (D-Ala.) seat.

Perkins, the first black mayor in the civil rights city's history, cited health reasons.

The seat will almost undoubtedly be won in the Democratic primary, where state Rep. Earl Hilliard Jr., attorney Terri Sewell and Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Smoot lead the way.

From the AP:

Former Selma Mayor James Perkins has dropped out of the race for the Democratic nomination for the 7th Congressional District seat.

Perkins said Thursday he is dropping out of the race for health reasons. He said while campaigning he aggravated an old hip injury and may need surgery.

Perkins, elected in 2000, was Selma's first black mayor. He lost a bid for a third term in 2008. He announced he was dropping out of the race in a letter to supporters published in Thursday's Selma Times-Journal.

Incumbent Democratic 7th District Congressman Artur Davis is running for governor.

Other Democrats running for the seat include state Rep. Earl Hilliard Jr. of Birmingham, Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Smoot, Birmingham attorney Terri Sewell and Birmingham attorney Martha Bozeman. No Republicans have announced for the race in the heavily Democratic district.


http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/74019-former-selma-mayor-drops-out-of-congressional-race