Politics & Government

State Representative Considering Run for Paul Broun's Seat in U.S. House of Representatives

Broun plans to seek election to the U.S. Senate in 2014, and Georgia Rep. Bruce Williamson (R-Monroe) said he is giving Broun's vacant seat "prayerful consideration."

Since U.S. Congressman Paul Broun (GA-10) announced in February that he would be seeking the Senate seat to be vacated by Republican Sen. Saxby Chambliss, there has been speculation about who would be looking to replace Broun. After the April monthly GOP meeting in Monroe on Monday, Georgia Rep. Bruce Williamson's name has seriously entered the mix.

"Last night, our long-term Senator, Bill Cowsert, decided to take his name out of consideration for Paul Broun's Congressional seat race. Since his announcement, we have been encouraged by dozens of supporters across the district to consider running for the seat. Given our strong, life-long connections to this part of Georgia, we are giving it prayerful consideration and will take some time to discuss it with supporters and donors," Williamson said.

Williamson was born and and raised in Monroe. According to his bio, he has a bachelor's degree in business administration and attended graduate school at the University of Georgia, where he studied risk management and insurance. He is the owner of Williamson Insurance and co-founder of Walton Bank and Trust Company and Liberty First Bank of Monroe. He was re-elected unopposed to his seat in the Georgia House of Representatives in 2012. Williamson was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in Tampa in 2012.

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According to Ga. Pundit Jim Galloway at the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Williamson is expected to have some company in the race. State Rep. Donna Sheldon is another Georgia politician said to be considering a run. Also in contention is Stephen Simpson, who lost his challenge to Broun in the 2012 Republican Primary. Galloway reported that Simspon has updated his website with a 2014 heading.

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