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Former Braselton mayor drops out of Senate race
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BRASELTON - Former Braselton Mayor Pat Graham announced Tuesday that she is dropping out of the District 47 state Senate race for personal reasons.

According to Graham's campaign Web site, she was one of the first candidates to announce her bid for the seat, which covers Barrow, Madison and Oglethorpe counties, as well as parts of Clarke, Jackson and Elbert counties.

Graham cites family matters that have come up in the last six months as the reasoning behind her decision to withdraw from the race.

"Since last fall, my brothers and I have been grappling with difficult decisions with respect to our aging parents. Declining health issues have affected them in the past few months, and although they live in an adjoining state, I am the closest child to attend to their needs," Graham wrote on her campaign Web site.

"Medical information received last week leaves no doubt that my parents need my time, support and assistance now. Family has always come first."

She added, "I am thankful to all of my campaign supporters who worked tirelessly on my behalf. I am truly humbled by the support throughout the campaign and wish the best to the remaining candidates. I am a competitor, as many have come to know; however, competing against life-challenging health and aging issues will take my full energies. That is what my parents deserve."

Hoschton resident Kelley Gary and Winder resident Shane Coley remain in the running for the District 47 seat, which Sen. Ralph Hudgens currently occupies. Hudgens is not seeking reelection; instead, he is running in the race for state Insurance Commissioner.