Shadegg To Retire

(The Politico)  Conservative GOP Rep. John Shadegg (Ariz.) announced his retirement on Monday, becoming the 29th Republican retirement this cycle.

"After deep reflection and consultation with my family, I have decided I will not be a candidate for re-election this fall," Shadegg said in his official retirement announcement

The 58-year-old Shadegg is in his seventh term representing Arizona's 3rd District, which includes northern Phoenix and Paradise Valley. The district went solidly for President Bush in 2000 and 2004.

Shadegg ran for the post of House Majority Leader back in 2006, when Republicans still controlled the House, finishing third behind now Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Minority Whip Roy Blunt (R-Mo.). Shadegg had been the chairman of the Republican Policy Committee, a group of conservative Republicans, and was hoping to ride that role to the top of the GOP Conference. Shadegg later challenged Blunt for Minority Whip, but was unsuccessful in that race as well.

Shadegg has been mentioned as a potential replacement for either Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) or Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) if either was to retire, and he was not on a "retirement watch" list of House Republicans who may leave Congress this cycle.

Shadegg has never faced a serious challenge in any House race, taking under 60% of the vote in only one campaign (2006).

In his retirement announcement, Shadegg insisted that he had not set out to be a "professional politician" and therefore felt it was time to step down. He also dismissed speculation that he might have heatlh or personal problems that would lead to his retirement.

"I was elected at an exciting point in our nation's history as a part of the '94 Revolution. And, incredibly, I have pretty much seen it all. (In fact, over the years as events have unfolded, every time I would think I had seen it all, something stunning and unexpected would happen)," Shadegg said.


"All in all, it was never my intention to be a professional politician. I have tried to do my best for the people of America, Arizona, and my district. And I believe I have accomplished a great deal as a Member of the U.S. House."
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