It appears Alabama Rep. Parker Griffith, the newest member of the Republican Party, will remain the sole Parker in the 5th District race after Public Service Commissioner Susan Parker (D) decided she will not challenge him in 2010. If nothing else, Parker's decision, announced yesterday, means there will likely be less confusion than in 2008, when Parker Griffith -- then a Democrat -- ran against Wayne Parker (R).

"During the past week, I have been honored and humbled by the encouragement I have received to run for the 5th congressional seat," Parker wrote in statement, according to the Huntsville Times. "However, I have decided to continue my campaign for reelection to the Public Service Commission."

The 5th District has never elected a Republican to Congress, and Griffith's party switch makes him vulnerable now to both a competitive GOP primary and general election. With Parker not running, the Times reports other potential Democrats include: Madison County Commissioner Bob Harrison, political consultant Steve Raby, county License Director Mark Craig, state Rep. Randy Hinshaw and Anthony Daniels, a former state Senate candidate.