Rep. Terry Everett (R-Ala.) announced Wednesday that he will not seek re-election in 2008. The eight-term lawmaker posted a statement on his Web site that said he reached the difficult decision not to run again over the weekend.

“It had been my intention until last week to seek re-election, including a run for the Chair or Ranking on the Committee on Agriculture,” Everett said in the statement. “However, there is a season for all things and it is time for me to enter the next phase of my life, and pass the mantle to the next generation.”

Everett, 70, also said that he had battled some health problems in recent years, including two attacks of shingles that resulted in nerve damage to his right foot that has not been completely restored.

“I have recently determined that progress in that regard will be slower than I had hoped,” he said. “While my health is good, there are other areas that come with age that I should pay more attention.”

Everett’s 2nd district, anchored by Dothan and suburban Montgomery, gave President Bush 66 percent of the vote in the 2004 presidential election.

— Lauren W. Whittington