Tracy may challenge Gordon

Jim Tracy (Submitted photo) [Click to enlarge]

State Rep. Jim Tracy of Shelbyville told the Times-Gazette on Wednesday he has been "humbled and honored" at the number of people locally and in Washington who have urged him to run for the Sixth District U.S. House seat in 2010. Tracy said Wednesday he is exploring his options but has no timetable yet for making or announcing a decision about running.

Tracy's potential interest in the seat was reported earlier this week by the Nashville Post Web site.

Tracy, a Republican, was first elected to the 16th District seat in 2004 and was re-elected last year. The district includes Bedford, Moore and part of Rutherford counties. He chairs the Senate Transportation Committee and is a member of the Education Committee and the State & Local Government Committee, among others. He is a Nationwide Insurance agent with offices in Shelbyville and Murfreesboro.

The Sixth District U.S. House seat is currently held by Democrat Bart Gordon of Murfreesboro, the longest-serving member of Tennessee's Congressional delegation.

Lou Ann Zelenik of Murfreesboro and Dave Evans of Wartrace have previously announced their intentions to seek the Republican nomination.