If you don’t like bare-knuckle political campaigns, you might want to stay away from Alabama’s Sixth Congressional District for the next two months.

No less than seven challengers — five Republicans and two Democrats — have lined up to take on 10-term incumbent Spencer Bachus, who has fended off charges of insider stock and options trading while serving as chairman or ranking minority member of the House Financial Services Committee. The opponents smell blood in the water, and coupled with a general throw-the-bums-out feeling among voters, their timing may be just right.

State Sen. Scott Beason’s entry is no big surprise, as he has not been shy about moving up the political ladder when opportunity arises. However, he has a considerable amount of baggage from his past roller coaster year. Still, he’s a favorite of Tea Party activists and conservatives, and has strong name recognition.

Blount County Probate Judge and

Commission President David Standridge has a good record of getting the county out of debt, but he likely has little name recognition outside his home territory.

The wild card in the GOP primary is Tuscaloosa developer Stan Pate, a gruff businessman who carries grudges. He’s the one who paid to have a banner flown over the 2010 BCS Championship game, seeking to have Gov. Bob Riley impeached.

Whatever you think of Bachus or his challengers, know this: You’re about to find out more than you ever wanted to know about them.