Arizona's Shadegg won't seek re-election

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Rep. John Shadegg, R-Ariz., who announced -- then unannounced -- his retirement in 2008, said Thursday he won't seek re-election in 2010.

"After 16 years it is time for me to take my life in a new direction and to pursue my commitment to fight for freedom in a different venue," Shadegg said in a statement posted on his Web site.

Representing the people of Arizona was "one of the greatest privileges of my life," Shadegg said, and not seeking re-election was particularly hard now "with the challenges we face as a nation, but it is necessary for me to do so."

He did not say what prompted his decision not to seek another term.

Shadegg, who was elected to Congress 1994, is the third Republican to announce his retirement in recent weeks, joining Reps. Henry Brown of South Carolina and George Radanovich of California.