(Clinton, KY - March 1, 2012) - First House District Rep. Steven Rudy was handed another term in the Legislature this week. His only opponent, Kevin Brown, announced he would withdraw from the May GOP primary. No Democratic candidate filed against Rudy so he is unopposed in his bid for re-election.

Brown, a veteran, retired minister and local radio personality, was viewed as a real competitor to Rudy.

In a press release, Brown cited "the redistricting issue" and a subsequent clerical error in his decision to withdraw. Rudy's district was scheduled to expand to include more McCracken precincts under the House plan. That plan was thrown out by Franklin County Judge Phillip Shepherd. The Kentucky Supreme Court upheld Shepherd's decision.

The First District, composed of Ballard, Carlisle, Fulton, Hickman and precincts in McCracken County, is one of the least populated in the state. In order to achieve the balance in population mandated by state law, district lines will have to be redrawn. Brown, a graduate of Lone Oak High School, expected to gain support in precincts in the new plan. Rudy, a native of Ballard County, who now lives in McCracken, is not well known in the proposed precincts.

Brown may be out for this turn of the wheel, but he's not giving up his interest in the seat.

When asked about future political endeavors, Brown said, “I am going to keep my options open for 2014.”