The Savannah Morning News reported that orthopedic surgeon and Lt. Col. Wayne Mosley (R) has decided against challenging Rep. John Barrow (D) in the 12th district.

Mosley is a decorated veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars who had been mentioned as the top GOP challenger to Barrow, who won his 2006 contest against former Rep. Max Burns (R) by fewer than 900 votes.

Considering Barrow’s slim margin of victory, Republicans have been eyeing the 12th as a key pickup opportunity.

With Mosley out, some Republicans on Capitol Hill are now talking up the candidacy of former Congressional aide John Stone, who has already declared for the race. Stone met with National Republican Congressional Committee officials in the fall.

— John McArdle