Barrow says he won't run for open US Senate seat

SAVANNAH, Ga. - Democratic Rep. John Barrow says he won't be running for the U.S. Senate next year.

The congressman from Augusta issued a statement Tuesday saying he will seek re-election to the House next year in eastern Georgia's 12th District, a seat Barrow has held since 2004.

Known as a supporter of gun rights and opponent of President Barack Obama's health-care overhaul, Barrow has carved a niche for himself as one of Georgia's most conservative Democrats.

Barrow's success at winning competitive races with Republicans made him a closely watched figure in the scramble to fill the open seat of retiring GOP Sen. Saxby Chambliss.

Three Republican congressmen are already running. No Democrats have declared. Michelle Nunn, the daughter of former U.S. Sen. Sam Nunn, has been mentioned as a possible Democratic candidate.