Rep. Eric Watson, R-ClevelandState Rep. Eric Watson, R-Cleveland, formally announced his bid for re-election today, saying "we have taken many steps forward" in the 22nd Legislative District.
"I want to continue to serve you and complete the work we have begun together," Watson said in his campaign announcement.
He was first elected in 2006 to the district, which covers largely rural areas of Bradley County as well as all of Polk and Meigs counties.
Watson said much has changed in the district over the past six years, pointing to economic development such as $1.8 billion Wacker Polysilicon plant and the building of an Amazon.com distribution center, both in Bradley and both of which received state incentives.
Watson serves as House Judiciary Committee chairman. He noted his role in helping guide reforms of "lawsuit abuse" in the legislature. He also touted laws he passed "preventing criminals from escaping justice through technical loopholes."
For more details, see tomorrow's Times Free Press.