Roane County native and real estate broker Joe Caldwell released the following statement Thursday announcing that he will not seek election in State Senate District 12 in 2008:
"Three months ago, I decided to explore running for the 12th District State Senate seat being vacated by Tommy Kilby. This seat has had a long tradition of strong leadership under Tommy, Lincoln Davis and Anna Belle O'Brien. During this time, the fine folks of Campbell, Fentress, Morgan, Rhea, Roane, and Scott Counties offered me their encouragement and enthusiasm to pursue this journey for the betterment of our state and its citizens. The people of the 12th District are the soul of what makes our state so great.
“However, over the last three months, I have been presented with some great business opportunities that do not come about often. These career changes would present challenges to truly running the type of energetic, enthusiastic, and motivating campaign that I would expect to run and that the people of District 12 deserve.
“I have also realized my expectation of having a family of my own. To be in a position financially, emotionally, and mentally to begin a family is important to me, and security comes with these business opportunities. This being the case, I have decided not to run for the State Senate.
"Finally, I think we have a top-notch State senator now in Tommy Kilby. It is my sincere hope that he will reconsider his decision not to seek re-election."