Oden Looks at County Race

I'm told that a story in the Cullman Times print edition discussed the possibility that State Rep Jeremy Oden (R-Cullman) is entertaining a run for Probate Judge. Until now, Oden had been considered likely to run for re-election.

Oden has managed to develop political enemies on both sides of the aisle, so his path to re-election could be complicated. Oden already has two opponents in the GOP primary and Democrats seem sure to field a strong challenger as well. A run for the Probate Judge seat (being vacated by Democrat Betty Brewer)would be no cakewalk, but if Oden is facing a tough race either way then maybe he'd just as soon roll the dice on the higher profile countywide office.

Though a vacancy is no sure thing, Oden's open State House seat could easily play host to one of the more competitive races of the cycle. Partisans on both sides of the aisle will be watching Oden's decision.