Ala. politicians looking ahead to 2014

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WALA) - Even though the 2014 elections are nearly two years away, people are already sizing up their chances of winning two state Capitol offices where the incumbents can't run again.

State Auditor Samantha Shaw and Secretary of State Beth Chapman are term-limited.

Adam Thompson, the deputy chief of staff in the secretary of state's office, has announced he will run as a Republican for state auditor. Republican state Rep. John Merrill of Tuscaloosa says he's seriously considering running for secretary of state. Republican state Sen. Cam Ward of Alabaster says he considered running for secretary of state but decided to seek re-election.

State Democratic Party Chairman Mark Kennedy expects to field candidates for both offices, but he says no one is seriously considering them yet in a state where Republicans dominate state government.