John Barrow

Tom Price, a Republican congressman from Georgia, will not run for the U.S. Senate next year. Price told the Marietta Daily Journal that his "assessment at this point is the House is the battleground for politics in this country right now" and he will seek sixth term for his metro Atlanta House seat.

At the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jim Galloway passes along a note from Karen Handel, a Republican close to Price who has been thought of as a possible Senate candidate if Price decided not to run:

"Tom has been a tremendous leader for Georgia in the House and I am glad that our state will continue to have the benefit of his experience and expertise moving forward.  He and Betty are dear friends, and Steve and I hold them in the highest regard and have great affection for them.

 "I am honored that so many people from across Georgia continue to urge me to run for US Senate, and I will let everyone know my decision in the very near future.  Meanwhile, Steve and I appreciate the encouragement and friendship."

Among the Republicans already seeking the nomination to replace retiring GOP senator Saxby Chambliss are House members Paul Broun, Phil Gingrey, and Jack Kingston. Potential Democratic candidates John Barrow, a House member, and Kasim Reed, the mayor of Atlanta, said publicly this week they would not seek the seat.

In another sign that an endangered Georgia congressman is distancing himself from the Obama administration, Democrat John Barrow has released a statement saying he will vote to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt when the House votes on Thursday, according to the Associated Press.