By Beth Clayton
Alabama Political Reporter
MONTGOMERY–Another candidate has entered the race to replace Congressman Jo Bonner in the first district. Daniel Dyas has joined the list of candidates who plan to compete for the position in a special election.
Dyas, a Fairhope builder, has joined the list of six Republicans and one independent who plan to run to replace Bonner.
In addition to the eight confirmed candidates, many more Republicans have been speculated to run and have not ruled out running for the seat. Such candidates include Senator Trip Pittman (R-Daphne), Senator Bill Hightower (R-Mobile), Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon and several probate judges and county commissioners.
Currently, no Democrat has announced a bid for the seat, although Representative Napoleon Bracy (D-Prichard) has formed an exploratory committee. Others have speculated whether Senator Marc Keahey (D-Grove Hill) will take this as an opportunity to campaign in his new senate district or whether US Surgeon General Regina Benjamin will pursue further political ambitions after announcing her retirement from her federal position.
Dyas says that he has no plans to become a career politician and will not seek more than two terms. “I want to change what is broken about our government and then I want to go back to living my private life.”
The winner of the special election will return to defend the seat in the 2014 elections.
Dyas will join Republicans Quin Hillyer, Dean Young, Jessica James, Bradley Byrne, Representative Chad Fincher (R-Semmes) and Representative Randy Davis (R-Daphne) on the Republican ballot.
The Governor has not announced when the special election primary or general elections will be held.
