Confirming what has been rumored for weeks, state Rep. Paul Adams, R-Andover has announced that he will not be seeking re-election. Instead, he will launch a bid to unseat state Sen. Barry Finegold, D-Andover.

"I’m thrilled to announce my candidacy for state senator," said Adams, in an open letter to residents of the 2nd Middlesex/Essex District. "While serving as your state representative, I’ve grown increasingly concerned about the fiscal health of our commonwealth, the continued unemployment and part-time job crisis, and the culture of corruption on Beacon Hill."

Finegold, who held the seat Adams now holds for over a decade, won a seat in the State Senate in 2010 by defeating Andover Republican Jamison Tomacek. Both Tomacek and Patrick Rahilly of Tewksbury, the man he defeated in the GOP primary, have announced they will not be running in 2012. This opens the door for Adams.

Adams won his seat in the 17th Essex District in 2010 with a suprising win over Democrat Patricia Commane of Andover. At the time, the district included parts of Andover, Tewksbury and Lawrence. However, Legislative redistricting that takes effect with the upcoming election has put Adams in a situation where he would have had to move in order to seek re-election.

Initially, he said he planned to do just that. However, over the past few months he changed his mind and targeted Finegold.

Adams wasted no time launching a pointed attack on Finegold's Legislative record.

"For 16 years, my opponent, Barry Finegold, has voted to tax, regulate, and spend. His votes have damaged the state economy, eliminated thousands of jobs, and lowered your standard of living," said Adams. "The legislation he supports demonstrates how badly he’s grown out-of-touch with the Merrimack
Valley."

The 2nd Essex/Middlesex Senate District includes Lawrence, Andover, Dracut and Tewksbury.

Recently, Adams settled a case with the State Office of Campaign Finance. He and three members of his family agreed to pay fines of up to $4,000 after it was determined they exceeded campaign contribution limits. Adams has said he misinterpreted the law and that he learned from the experience and would not repeat the error.