Veteran state senator Preuitt drops reelection bid

TALLADEGA, Ala. (AP) — Veteran state Sen. Jim Preuitt of Talladega is dropping his campaign for a sixth term.

Preuitt had switched from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party to run this year. But he announced Tuesday evening that his heart is not in the race.

The 75-year-old Preuitt was to face Democrat Jerry Fielding of Sylacauga in the Nov. 2 general election.

Alabama Republican Party Chairman Mike Hubbard said he respected Preuitt's decision and would seek guidance from the Alabama secretary of state's office on the possibility of selecting a replacement candidate.

Preuitt called the decision one of the most difficult of his public life.