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State Rep. Bill Konopnicki (R) announced Wednesday that he would not run to replace Rep. Rick Renzi (R-Ariz.) this year. Konopnicki was a top National Republican Congressional Committee recruit who had formed an exploratory committee and was expected to enter the race. In an interview with The Hill, he cited the recent loss of his brother and his father-in-law, as well as an ill mother as reasons for not seeking the congressional seat. He also said the budget situation in the Arizona legislature requires his attention. “In order to really pursue [this], I needed to resign and go out and do this full-time,” Konopnicki said. “I just didn’t think I could do that and turn my back on the folks who elected me.” His exit clears the way for other GOP candidates in a swing district that encompasses half the state of Arizona. He said he spoke Wednesday with three candidates who are still weighing their options on the race — state Sen. Tom O’Halleran, former state Senate President Ken Bennett and activist Steve Pierce. He said he does not expect state Rep. Andrew Tobin or former state House candidate Preston Korn to run. Republican Sydney Hay, who finished a close third to Renzi in a crowded 2002 primary, is still in the race. The activist and talk show host reported $60,000 raised and $110,000 cash on hand after the third quarter. She loaned her campaign $50,000. The Democratic field includes several candidates and is led by state Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, who has garnered the support of EMILY’s List. Renzi announced in August that he would not run for reelection, amid revelations of a federal investigation into his business ties. Arizona has a resign-to-run law, meaning Konopnicki would have been forced to yield his state House seat. |
