State Sen. Nancy Schaefer to Run for Re-election

Habersham County -- State senator Nancy Schaefer says she will seek re-election for the 50th District in November after bowing out of the 10th Congressional race.

In a press release issued late this afternoon, Senator Schaefer said she intends to qualify for her seat next week.

In March, Schaefer announced she was giving up that seat in order to run against Representative Paul Broun for the 10^th Congressional District.

That all changed last week, however, when it was discovered her husband was seriously ill.

In her brief statement today, Schaefer said her husband’s illness had stabilized and she “had peace” about her decision to run for re-election, but that race could be tougher than she expects.

Since her initial decision to drop out of the state race, three other Republicans from Habersham County have announced their intention to run. They include, Habersham County commissioners Jim Butterworth and Dr. Rick Austin, and Clarkesville businessman Terry Rogers.

Qualifying begins on Monday and runs through Friday May 1st at noon.

State Sen. Nancy Schaefer to Run for Congress

Republican state senator Nancy Schaefer announced yesterday she intends to run for the 10^th Congressional District. Schaefer serves the 50^th District which includes eight of the 21 counties that make up the 10^th Congressional District in Northeast Georgia.

She said the decision to run for Congress came after much thought and input from constituents. And she says there are a number of issues facing Georgians she hopes to address at the federal level.

“Illegal immigration is important to our district, water is important to our district, jobs are very important to the 10^th District and to me," said Schaefer. "Also, my issue with children and families in regard to protecting our children and parents in child protective services."

Schaefer is running against incumbent Representative Dr. Paul Broun, who was elected last year after the death of Congressman Charlie Norwood.

Meantime, two Habersham County Republicans have announced their intentions to run for Schaefer’s senate seat. Habersham County commission chair Jim Butterworth announced his candidacy for the 50th District today. Another Republican, Habersham Development Authority member Terry Rogers, threw his hat into the senate race on Monday. Butterworth has served on the Habersham County commission since 2004. Rogers is a former Cornelia City Commissioner.