Democrat won't seek Gordon's seat

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- State Rep. Henry Fincher says he won't run to succeed fellow Democrat Bart Gordon in Congress.

Fincher, a Cookeville attorney, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that he would have to take 10 months off and raise at least $2 million to mount a successful bid.

In Fincher's words: "It's a shame that it's a rich man's game in Washington."

Gordon announced last month that he won't seek a 14th term for the 6th Congressional District seat represents 15 counties -- including Marshall County -- ranging east from Nashville's fast-growing suburbs to the Cumberland Plateau.

Fincher joins fellow Democratic Rep. Mike McDonald of Portland in deciding against a bid.

Republican candidates include state Sens. Diane Black of Gallatin and Jim Tracy of Shelbyville and former Rutherford County Republican Party Chairwoman Lou Ann Zelenik, among others.