Billy Beasley enters Senate race

State Rep. Billy Beasley of Clayton has said he will compete for the Democratic nomination for the District 28 seat in the Alabama Senate.

The seat is currently represented by Sen. Myron Penn, an attorney and a Democrat from Union Springs.

Penn would not say Monday if he was running for the seat, but has previously said he was leaning toward focusing on his law practice. But, after the announcement that former state legislator and Tuskegee Mayor Johnny Ford was running, Penn said he would run again if he did not see a quality candidate who wanted to represent the district and not an opportunist.

Beasley and Penn said they have talked to each other.

Penn said he would announce on Tuesday whether he was running in 2010.

Beasley said Penn has decided not to run.

Beasley, a pharmacist, was elected to the House in 1998. He represents Barbour, Bullock and Russell counties.

The legislator said he has been, and will continue to be, an advocate for all levels of education, for businesses, and for crime victims.

-- -- posted by Sebastian Kitchen