Tempe candidate drops out of state rep. race

Former state Rep. Steve May has dropped out of the GOP primary race against incumbent U.S. Rep. John Shadegg in the topsy-turvy 3rd Congressional District.

Read Paul Giblin political blog, 'Checking In'

May told the Tribune on Wednesday he needs to focus his attention on business matters after the planned sale of his company Wisdom Natural Brands fell apart.

May entered the race last month during a 10-day period when Shadegg’s political status was in flux.

On Feb. 11, Shadegg, 58, announced he planned to retire from public office. Then on Feb. 21, May filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to run for the office. Later that day, Shadegg changed course and announced he planned to seek an eighth term.

Shadegg’s initial announcement triggered a surge of Republicans who step forward to offer themselves as possible candidates to succeed him. Only May remained after Shadegg changed his mind.

At the time, May said he was prepared to spend $1 million in personal funds on the campaign. He was banking on using the proceeds from the sale of his company, which distributes the natural sweetener SweetLeaf Stevia.

However, May’s business deal went sour.

“I’m going to un-retire and go back to work essentially,” May said. “I have to prepare the business for proper acquisition.”

May said he spoke to Shadegg on Friday and told him that he planned to drop out of the race. He also told Shadegg he would support Shadegg’s re-election.

May, 36, said he suspects Shadegg’s seat may open again shortly anyway.

If Sen. John McCain wins the presidency, which May expects, Shadegg would be a likely candidate to run for McCain’s Senate seat. By then, May’s business dealings should be resolved, putting him is a strong position to run for then vacated U.S. House seat in 2010.

“It’s not in the back of my mind. It’s in the front of my mind,” May said. “The political landscape will be significantly different two years from now. My personal situation should be significantly different two years from now, so yeah, I intend to run.”

Shadegg could not be reached for comment Wednesday evening.

In announcing his short-lived plans to leave public office last month, Shadegg said he planned to pursue a conservative leadership position in the private sector.

In announcing his plans to seek re-election, Shadegg cited support from than 2,000 constituents who contacted him through e-mails and letter, plus 146 House Republicans and the leaders of 33 conservative organizations who signed letters urging him to run for re-election.

Even without May in the race, Shadegg will face competition from attorney Bob Lord, a Democrat, and e-magazine publisher Annie Loyd, an independent.