Tennessee Rep. Lincoln Davis (D) closed the door Thursday evening on the possibility of making a gubernatorial run in 2010, a move he had been considering.

In a statement, Davis cited his recent appointment to the Appropriations Committee as a key reason behind his decision.

“Anyone seeking a higher office has to consider not only what they can do in their new position, but what they give up for the people they represent,” Davis said. “As a new member of the House Appropriations Committee, I will have a significant opportunity to practice fiscal responsibility of our nation’s finances and assure the priorities of my rural constituents are heard loud and clear,” he said.

“This recent appointment is an opportunity … that I could not easily turn away from.”

Tennessee will host an open-seat gubernatorial race in 2010 as current Gov. Phil Bredesen (D) is term-limited and cannot seek re-election.

Rep. Zach Wamp (R) has already announced he is running for governor. Davis was the only Democratic Member of the state’s Congressional delegation who was pondering a run.