State senator to run for Shadegg seat

Arizona state Sen. Pamela Gorman (R) on Monday became the first Republican to announce a bid for Rep. John Shadegg's (R-Ariz.) seat.

Shadegg announced his retirement on Thursday. Gorman is among a handful of Republicans who are expect to crowd the primary.

"This will be a long and tough campaign, but one I look forward to," Gorman said. "If elected, my promise to the voters of (the 3rd district) is simple. I will go to Congress and stand up and fight for the conservative principles we share, just as hard as I have done in the Arizona Legislature."

Gorman, a young and attractive female candidate who has been compared to Sarah Palin.

Other potential candidates include former Shadegg chief of staff Sean Noble, state Sens. Jim Waring and Barbara Leff and state Reps. Sam Crump and Jim Weiers. Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon is considering a run on the Democratic side, where attorney Jon Hulburd is currently running.