Ogden to stay in state Senate as Gattis drops out

[sonias]

AAS 11/30/09
Door opens for Ogden to stay in state Senate as Gattis drops out
Gattis changes course, says he won't run for state Senate or House.

Republican Steve Ogden appears poised to put his retirement plans on hold and seek another term in the Texas Senate.

Ogden, of Bryan, said earlier this year he would not seek re-election to the Senate seat that includes all of Williamson County. Rep. Dan Gattis, R-Georgetown, has been running for the Senate seat for months and has been the favorite to succeed him.

However, pointing to the strain it has put on his family and law practice, Gattis said Sunday that he is giving up his bid for the seat. He said Ogden plans to seek another term.

"With a young and growing family and a tough economic climate, my focus needs to be on them," Gattis said. "That was a decision that my wife and I reached through a lot of prayer and consideration."

Along with giving up his Senate bid, Gattis said he will not seek re-election to the House seat he now holds. A spirited Republican primary battle for that seat is already under way.

Very strange for Gattis to drop out entirely and not even seek his House seat again. Texas House District 20 consists of Milam county and part of Williamson.

Sonia