A lame qualifying week just got a lot lamer.

Former state Sen. Brian Kemp passed along a note this morning saying he won't be running against Ralph Hudgens in the GOP primary.

"After a great deal of reflection over the last several months I have decided not to seek re-election to the State Senate this year," he said. "Several business opportunities have opened up for me and I have decided it is best for me and my family to pursue those opportunities at this time. I look forward to continuing my public service in the near future."

The back story is that Kemp gave up his Senate seat to run for agriculture commissioner (he lost) in 2006. Hudgens helped push through a redistricting to help get Bill Cowsert elected, which incidentally put Kemp in Hudgens' district. Last year, Hudgens was planning to run for Congress, but backed out. Kemp was furious, and for about a day or two was saying he'd take on Hudgens in the primary. It died down pretty fast, but not all the way until now.

Too bad. That would've been a fun one to watch.

So, to recap, none of our local guys are facing any opposition whatsoever.

Blake.aued@onlineathens.com