Scott Beason’s hat is officially in the ring

The controversial state senator from Gardendale announced at 9:30 a.m. today from the Alabama GOP Headquarters in Homewood that he will oppose incumbent Congressman Spencer Bachus in the Republican primary this spring for the sixth congressional district seat.

‘It’s time for a change in Washington,” he said during the press conference. “I’ve proven I will take on the establishment. I’m not afraid of special interests. … we will get Washington under control.”

Beason, who had his share of political ups and downs last year, will take on the sitting chairman of the House Financial Services Committee.

However, Bachus has had political troubles of his own, after being accused in the book “Throw Them All Out” of using inside information gained through his chairmanship to trade stocks and stock options, a charge reiterated in a report on the CBS program “60 Minutes.”

Bachus, both in person and through his press spokesman, has repeatedly and vehemently denied any wrongdoing.

Beason will retain his senate seat during the congressional race during the campaign.

He said his team is in the process of setting up a website to get information out to voters and to accept donations for the campaign.