Steve May, a now-former Republican candidate for the Arizona House of Representatives -- best known for recruiting homeless people to run as Green Party candidates in several local elections and driving down Interstate17 shitfaced -- is calling it quits following the outing of his DUI conviction.
May issued a press release on his Web site last night announcing his decision, which you can see -- in it's entirety -- after the jump:
Our successful write-in campaign brought attention to issues I care deeply about and created a conversation about the importance of greater inclusion and openness in the electoral process. I am grateful for the support I have received since I started my campaign for a return to the state legislature.
This unique experiment in democracy has also raised my own awareness, and helped me see clearly that personal and political timing must align for a campaign to truly be successful. I spoke about the need for honest leadership, and I have determined the necessary personal alignment does not exist to continue the campaign.
With great respect and gratitude for all who have supported me, I am announcing today that I am terminating the campaign and am no longer a candidate in District 17.
My strong enthusiasm and passion for the issues I believe in brought forth political rhetoric, tone and activities not always reflective of my desire to be a uniting and positive force for good in the community, and I am sorry for those instances.
As I take some personal time to reflect and refocus, I do so with great appreciation for the supporters and friends who have given their time and talents to help me return to public office. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
May's bailing on the race follows news of a conviction for DUI in June 2009.
According to court records dug up by the Arizona Republic, May was arrested on June 26, 2009, after doin' 83 miles per hour on I-17 in north Phoenix, where the speed limit is 55.
May was found to have a blood-alcohol content of more than .20 -- over twice the legal limit -- and was charged with "super extreme" DUI.
May ended up pleading guilty to driving under the influence of liquor and served 10 days in jail. He was also sentenced to three years' probation and was reportedly on the drug Vivitrol, which is commonly used to treat alcoholism.
May also made headlines last week when he and Representative Jim Weiers recruited homeless people -- like Anthony "Grandpa" Goshorn -- to run as Green Party candidates in various elections.
The Democratic and Green parties dubbed the candidates shams and pushed to have their names removed from the November ballot because they violate the party's right to be associated with members who agree with its platform.
Both a federal judge and Maricopa County Superior Court judge ruled in the past week to allow the candidates to remain on the ballot.
