U.S. Rep. Cramer won't seek re-election

U.S. Rep. Bud Cramer, who has represented the Shoals in Washington since 1990, said Thursday that he will not seek re-election in November.

Cramer, a Democrat from Huntsville, is ending his ninth term in the House of Representatives. His legacy, at least from the viewpoint of numerous leaders in the Shoals community, has been his ability to foster economic growth in north Alabama.

In the Shoals, he was a huge asset as the area landed SCA Tissue, a Walgreens call center, North American Lighting and National Alabama Corp.

"After much thought and discussion with my family, I have decided not to seek re-election," Cramer said in a prepared statement. "This was a difficult decision, but after 28 years of public service it is time for me to step aside, spend more time with my family and begin another chapter in my life.

"I am proud to have played a part in the growth and development of the entire north Alabama region. I believe this is a good time for me to step aside and transition to new leadership."

Aides in Cramer's office in Washington declined to comment further.

Cramer's surprise announcement will likely result in a hotly contested election in November as Republicans try to claim a House seat that has been in a Democrat's hands for the past 18 years.

Cramer also becomes the second Alabama congressman to announce his retirement this year, joining Republican Terry Everett, R-Rehobeth.

"I think a lot of Bud Cramer," said Mike Hubbard, chairman of the Alabama Republican Party. "He's done a good job of representing north Alabama. I guarantee you we will have a quality candidate."

Amy Burks, of Decatur, a former vice chairwoman of the Democratic Party, noted that the district across north Alabama has had only three representatives in the past 60 years - U.S. Rep. Robert E. "Bob" Jones Jr., of Scottsboro, from 1947-77; U.S. Rep. Ronnie Flippo, of Florence, 1977-1991; and Cramer, since 1991.

"I would imagine we'll see one of the most exciting races the Fifth District has seen in probably our lifetime," said Burks. "We'll replace him with a good, conservative Democrat."

Huntsville lawyer Ray McKee has already qualified for the GOP primary June 3.

Gov. Bob Riley, who served with Cramer in Congress for three terms in the 1990s, reacted to Cramer's announcement:

"Bud Cramer has done a great job and he has been especially helpful to me when it comes to economic development projects in north Alabama," Riley said. "He is a friend and Alabama will be losing an outstanding public servant."

News of Cramer's decision not to seek re-election came as a surprise to local leaders.

"This is shocking," said Northwest-Shoals Community College President Humphrey Lee.

He pointed out that the loss of Cramer means the district will lose political clout.

Lee added that Cramer and U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, of Haleyville, are both on the powerful House Appropriations Committee.

Also, Cramer is in the top 65 on the congressional seniority list.

"That has been a help to this area," Lee said. "I don't know how this is going to affect us."

That concern is particularly evident among local leaders who have worked with Cramer to land several economic development projects.

"He's been part of a dream team," said Macke Mauldin, former chairman of the Shoals Economic Development Authority.

Muscle Shoals Mayor David Bradford said he has never seen a congressman who is stronger than Cramer.

"He's been a good person to work with and has meant so much to economic development through north Alabama, especially in our area," Bradford said. "He has been good for the Shoals and brought national recognition to our area and the state. It's disappointing to be losing him."

Florence Mayor Bobby Irons said he was saddened to hear the news. He said Cramer has been an asset to the Shoals as far as helping pass local legislation and "getting things done on local projects."

He added that Cramer had become one of the most influential people in Washington.

"He's one of the best economic developers you'll find in this country," Irons said. "He put his heart and soul into economic development for his district and paid a lot of attention to Lauderdale and Colbert counties. We will miss Bud's expertise in that area.

"This is a blow that will be felt in his district for some time, especially over here. I regret his decision, but I understand. I wish him well."

SEDA Executive Director Forrest Wright said Cramer has been an economic development partner with the Shoals and all of his district.

"North Alabama will have to look hard and long to find someone as capable as he," Wright said. "He had the ability and savvy to make the right call, and he enjoyed doing it."

Sheffield Mayor Billy Don Anderson said losing Cramer is a blow to the area, "not just because he's our representative, but because he has been an effective representative for the people of America. He's an ideal person to represent you, because of his ability to grasp the picture and tenaciously stay with the programs he believes in. Once he makes a commitment, he is always going to be dependable."

Keith Jones, executive director of the Northwest Alabama Council of Local Governments, called Cramer "an effective leader for north Alabama and a staunch supporter for economic development in the area."

He said the area will have to work harder with other U.S. representatives from Alabama, "but he will be there through January."

Bernie Delinski can be reached at 740-5739 or bernie.delinski@timessdaily,com.

Tom Smith can be reached at 740-5757 or tom.smith@timesdaily.com.

Staff writer Russ Corey contributed to this report.