A crowded field of seven candidates is running in the GOP primary for Alabama's 6th Congressional District. The 6th Congressional District is strongly Republican, but political observers say it encompasses a diversity of GOP voices, from a strong business community to active tea party groups. The seat is open after Rep. Spencer Bachus decided not to seek re-election. Gardendale Sen. Scott Beason, Harbert Management Corp. vice president Will Brooke, Homewood Rep. Paul DeMarco, orthopedic surgeon Chad Mathis, Alabama Policy Institute founder Gary Palmer, retired lawyer Rob Shattuck and mattress company owner Tom Vigneulle are seeking the nomination. The Republican primary is June 3 and a runoff, if needed, is July 15. The winner will face Democrat Avery Vise in the Nov. 4 general election.