Eric Dickerson will not be pursing the 7th congressional seat in 2008. Sources close to Dickerson tell me that he will not be running and that he is taking a prominent public relations job with Allison Transmission.

Dickerson, the 2006 Republican candidate in the 7th Congressional, came closer than any previous challenger to defeating Congresswoman Julia Carson but ended up losing by a few percentage points. Dickerson ran a strong grassroots campaign and many had hoped he would run again so he could take advantage of his loyal organization of volunteers who were able to help drive his message to the voters.

As we head into the caucus, Republicans are still left with only two candidates, State Representative Jon Elrod and probation officer Wayne Harmon. Elrod, at this point, has to be considered the clear favorite to be the nominee for the Republicans heading into the caucus.

More on this as it develops.