Bob Puckett announced Monday he plans to seek the Democratic nomination for the State House District 13 seat now held by Rep. Katie Dempsey, R-Rome.
Puckett lost to Dempsey in a close race in 2006. Dempsey finished ahead of Puckett by a 4,523 to 4,355 margin.
An assistant superintendent with Floyd County Schools, Puckett said he has talked with Superintendent Lynn Plunkett about retiring, since he is eligible, but details have not been worked out.
He said he could stay on part-time, retire or work full-time with an option for time off during the 40-day session of the legislature.
Dempsey is expected on Saturday to announce she will seek re-election.
“I believe it is time to return to leadership that puts the advancement of community over political opportunity,” said Puckett, who showed up on the steps of City Hall on Monday with a group of supporters. “There must be a return to leaders who view public service as an obligation to help lift everyone up and move everyone forward.”
Puckett said he feels leadership coming out of the Gold Dome is lacking.
“Health, water, taxes, everything. Glenn Richardson (GOP House speaker) has not been a good speaker — he’s not taking care of business.”
Click here to view Bob Puckett’s announcement news release.
