State Sen. Bill Ketron (left) with Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey pray together at the 2010 Rutherford County Republican Caucus.

State Sen. Bill Ketron announced Monday he will not run for the U.S. House 4th District seat, citing family reasons and a weighty to-do list in the General Assembly.

Rutherford County was recently realigned into the 4th District, represented by Rep. Scott DesJarlais (R-Jasper), from the 6th District, represented by Rep. Diane Black (R-Gallatin).

Ketron released the following statement:

After careful consideration, I have decided not to enter the Congressional race for the new 4th District in Tennessee.
 
I have grown up believing that elected office is still one of the best ways a person can contribute to our society; and service in the United States Congress is certainly the pinnacle of civic responsibility.  The most important step in launching any campaign, however, is to evaluate the impact it will have on your family.  My family is my inspiration and support.  My father, who was my best friend passed away 11 months ago.  I made a promise to him that I would take care of my mother, my family and the business that he started 43 years ago.
 
Another factor which has significant weight in this decision is that my leadership position in the Tennessee Senate affords me the opportunity to positively impact the future of my district and our state.  It has taken us years, working together in the legislature, to move Tennessee forward in becoming one of the best states in the country to live and work.  I am honored to have played a role in these changes but feel my work is not done here.  I can be much more productive by being one of 33, instead of one of 435 and starting at the bottom.
 
This decision-making process has been very beneficial.  Running for Congress has been a public service in which I have aspired since I was young.  Sometimes in life we discover that what we always thought we wanted, when weighed against other factors, is not the most important priority in your life.  Running for Congress is just that scenario for me.
 
I will commit to join with Congressman Scott DesJarlais as we work for the betterment of our great state.