AZ-03: Shadegg to Retire

I’m starting to lose count:

Saying he never intended to be a professional politician, Rep. John Shadegg announced Monday that he will not seek re-election to an eighth term in Congress.

Just weeks ago, Shadegg spoke confidently about his ability to win another term from the 3rd Congressional District, and he had raised nearly $500,000 for re-election in the fourth quarter.

On Monday, however, he said his decision was a personal one and was not spurred by concerns over his health or fear that he could lose his seat in November.

“I’ve been thinking about this for a number of months, though I’ve held it close to my vest,” Shadegg, 58, told The Republic on Monday. “I’ve just reached the conclusion I’d like to do something else with my life other than be in the minority in the U.S. House of Representatives.” (Emphasis added.)

I love it when they finally admit the truth. And Shadegg’s reason for bailing applies equally for every GOP member of Congress. In other words, I doubt he’ll be the last to retire.

This district has a PVI of R+5.9. Tough sledding, but we have a strong candidate in Bob Lord, who has already raised over $600K and still has half-a-mil on hand. And with any luck, we’ll see a bloody GOP primary. The AZ Republic says:

As of Monday night, no Republican challenger had stepped up, but several names have been mentioned, including: Shadegg chief of staff Sean Noble, Arizona House Speaker Jim Weiers, state Sen. Jim Waring, Corporation Commissioner Kris Mayes and Scottsdale attorney Jordan Rose.

Arizona’s primary is very late – not until Sept. 2nd. So a drawn-out fight could put the GOP at a big disadvantage.

P.S. Caped Composer caught this one right away when it broke.

UPDATE: Local Dems are rallying around Lord:

Emily Bittner, communications director for the Arizona Democratic Party, said the party would support Lord over other Democrats.

“The party is strongly behind Bob Lord,” said Maria Weeg, executive director of the party.

On top of that, Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon (D) said he would not run, and 2006 Senate candidate Jim Pederson (whose name was also in the mix) has now endorsed Lord.