Minden Congressman John Fleming has announced he is not running for Mary Landrieu's Senate seat.

In a released statement, the Republican stated that he was honored by the large number of Louisianans asking him to run, but said that he does not want to challenge Congressman Bill Cassidy.

"My friend, Bill Cassidy, has long prepared and now stepped forward to challenge Mary, and he offers Louisiana's voters a Republican alternative necessary in 2014 to replace a big-government Washington liberal," Fleming stated.  "Therefore, with prayerful analysis, my family and I have decided to step aside for this Senate race to optimize the chance for Republicans to win this vital seat."

Fleming told 710 KEEL on Tuesday that he was not certain if he would run.  Later that day, it was leaked that Cassidy would announce on Wednesday that he will be challenging Senator Landrieu.

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