Rep. Griffin avoids primary challenge from '08 opponent

Wayne Parker, the 2008 Republican nominee against then-Democratic Rep. Parker Griffith (Ala.), announced Wednesday that he won't challenge the party-switching congressman in a primary this year.

In making his announcement, Parker did throw his support to another GOP candidate, Madison County Commissioner Mo Brooks. But the party avoided what might have been Griffith's most feared Republican primary opponent in Parker.

Parker has run for the seat three times, including twice against former Rep. Bud Cramer (D-Ala.).

He lost to Griffith 51-48 in 2008. Griffith, who has since become a Republican, is still facing some resistance from the GOP establishment in the district, even as national party leaders have embraced him.

Businessman Les Phillip is also running in the GOP primary.