The fallout in Tennessee’s 6th district continued Tuesday as potential candidates sought to clarify where they stand on the 2010 race in the wake of Rep. Bart Gordon’s (D) unexpected retirement announcement.

On the Democratic side, Gallatin Mayor Jo Ann Graves, who previously served in the state Senate, took her name out of consideration for the Congressional race.

“I’m the mayor of a very thriving community that is really coming into its own,” said Graves who was elected mayor in 2006. “We have a lot on the horizon and I’ve got multiple projects that are in the works that I would really like to see to completion. So my goal at this time is to seek re-election in 2010 and finish the vision that I started.”

State Reps. Mike McDonald and Hank Fincher have already acknowledged that they are mulling jumping into the Democratic primary.

Meanwhile Republican state Sen. Diane Black (R) said she is still giving the race “serious consideration” and will make her decision by next week.

“I think it’s important if you’re going to make that decision to do it as soon as possible because [other candidates] will be asking for support from folks that are in my district and it’s only fair to give everybody an opportunity to know who truly is going to be in this. …. I don’t want to string any body out,” Black said Tuesday.