Shadegg Reverses Course, Will Run for Reelection

Just 10 days after announcing he would not run for reelection in the fall, Arizona Rep. John Shadegg (R) reversed course today and said he would be on the November ballot after all.

"I expected my decision would elicit little reaction here in Arizona, and less in Washington," Shadegg said in a statement. "The events of the last week have, to say the least, stunned and deeply humbled me."

Shadegg had made clear that he was interested in a possible Senate run, and the stars seemed like they could line up for him if Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) wins the presidency or quits the Senate in the next few months to campaign full time for the White House.

But Shadegg didn't know how much he is loved in the House, as 145 of his GOP colleagues wrote him a letter asking that he reconsider and run for another term.

Shadegg's district was always likely to stay in the GOP column anyway, but his change of heart still gives his party one less open seat to defend ... and one less headache.

By Ben Pershing |  February 21, 2008; 7:17 PM ET 2008 Campaign , House
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Posted by: achilli | February 21, 2008 9:33 PM

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