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At the urging of his Republican colleagues, Rep. John Shadegg (Ariz.) is reversing his decision not to run for reelection, giving a boost to GOP hopes of retaining the seat. “Last Thursday, 146 of my colleagues in the U.S. House signed a letter asking me to reconsider, an unprecedented event,” Shadegg said in a statement Thursday. “Yesterday I received a letter signed by the leaders of 33 different conservative organizations from across America also urging me to reverse my announced intentions.” Shadegg said he was “stunned” and “humbled” by the response he received at home and on Capitol Hill and, after careful consideration, decided he would run for another term. “My decision was made after deep reflection and consultation with my family...It was entirely a personal decision between me and my family,” the lawmaker stated. “The reactions of my constituents and my friends now suggest there were implications far broader than we had contemplated.” Written jointly by Republican Study Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling (Texas) and Reps. Mike Pence (Ind.) and Pete Hoekstra (Mich.), the letter has been signed by each member of the Republican leadership. “We fear that without you and the long-term perspective you bring to every debate, our battles will be difficult to win,” the letter stated. “This is especially true in the area of health care where you are one of the leading experts.” Shadegg had announced his retirement Feb. 11. He was first elected to represent Arizona’s 3rd congressional district in 1994. Known for his staunch opposition to earmarks, Shadegg ran for House majority leader in 2006 after Rep. Tom DeLay (Texas) stepped down from the post. He lost that race to Rep. John Boehner (Ohio). |
