Former Christian Coalition architect Ralph Reed announced Wednesday that he will not run for the seat being vacated by retiring Rep. John Linder (R-Ga.).

“After much thought and prayer, I have decided not to be a candidate for Congress in Georgia’s Seventh district in 2010,” Reed said in a statement. His decision did not come as a surprise to Georgia insiders.

“I believe I can best advance conservative principles by continuing to serve as CEO of Century Strategies, LLC, and founding chairman of the Faith and Freedom Coalition. … These nationwide efforts offer a much better prospect for changing the direction of the country than winning a Congressional race myself,” he said. “I believe electing 50 to 100 men and women of character and conservative beliefs to Congress and statewide office over the next two election cycles is a more efficacious way to advance the conservative agenda than seeking public office myself in 2010.”

But Reed didn’t close the door on a future Congressional bid.

“Should that door open in the future, perhaps I will arrive at a different decision, but I know this is the right decision at this time for me and the Reed family,” he said.