By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com

Peachtree City resident Lewis Jordan has taken himself off the list of potential contenders for the U.S. Senate seat formerly held by Paul Coverdell.

Jordan, the founder of ValuJet airlines, had been courted by Republican leaders who felt he was an ideal candidate to run against Zell Miller in the special election that will be held Nov. 7 to fill Coverdell's unexpired term. Miller was recently appointed to fill Coverdell's spot by Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes.

The 56-year-old Jordan had told The Citizen Tuesday afternoon that he planned to run for the seat. He was in Philadelphia for the Republican National Convention.

This would have been Jordan's first experience seeking political office. Previously he has helped Coverdell's fund-raising efforts and those of other political candidates he supported.

The move apparently clears the way for former senator Mack F. Mattingly of St. Simons, who was also heavily supported by some members of Republican leadership to run against Miller, the popular former Georgia governor.

In a statement released Wednesday, Jordan thanked all those who called he and his wife, Peggy, with support and encouragement during his contemplation of running for the seat.

“I am deeply appreciative of the support that has come from every part of our state and I am personally honored to have been urged so strongly to represent the people of Georgia in this important race,” Lewis said. “However, in the interest of party unity and after careful consideration of what I believe is in the best interest of my family, I have chosen not to run for the United States Senate.”

Jordan said he wants to see that a Republican is elected to Coverdell's seat.

“I am confident that is what Paul would expect and therefore plan to do everything that I can to that end,” Jordan noted.

“Although I have never run for political office, I am honored to have been so seriously considered for such an important role. I chose to believe that this privilege was offered to me because we in America still place great value on courage, integrity and human sensitivity. To all those who have helped me and who have offered their support, I extend my most sincere gratitude.”

Jordan currently operates Wingspread Enterprises, an investment and consulting firm that helps fund start-up companies.

Jordan and his wife, Peggy, have six grown children and live in the Interlochen subdivision, where they moved in 1993 when ValuJet started up in Atlanta.

By noon Thursday, a total of six people had qualified for the seat, including Mattingly and Miller. Also qualifying were:

Rob Ballenger, a lawyer from Summerville.

Paul Robert MacGregor of Alpharetta, President and CEO of eTiburon Corporation.

Moreton Rolleston Jr., a lawyer from Atlanta.

Winnie Walsh, a retired free-lance writer from Savannah.