Jim Folsom

Democratic Lieutenant Gov. Jim Folsom Jr. announced Wednesday he will not seek the post of Alabama governor in 2010, removing one potential roadblock for Democratic Rep. Artur Davis .

Term-limits prevent Republican Gov. Bob Riley from seeking re-election in 2010 and Davis has been actively campaigning for the open seat. Folsom was widely viewed as a major primary threat for Davis, but Folsom has instead decided to seek re-election to his current position.  

“He will be a valued part of the Democratic ticket as Lieutenant Governor and if both of us are successful in 2010, he will be invited to be a genuine partner in my efforts to revive Alabama’s economy,” Davis said in a statement Wednesday .