Congressman Jeff Flake Announces Senate Run

It's official: Republican Congressman Jeff Flake will run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Senator Jon Kyl.Flake made his announcement this morning at the same Phoenix hotel where Kyl announced his upcoming retirement last week. Flake, who has represented Arizona's 6th Congressional District since 2001, which includes parts...

By James King

February 14, 2011

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It's official: Republican Congressman Jeff Flake will run for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Senator Jon Kyl.

Flake made his announcement this morning at the same Phoenix hotel where Kyl announced his upcoming retirement last week.

Flake, who has represented Arizona's 6th Congressional District since 2001, which includes parts of Mesa and Chandler, and all of Gilbert, Queen Creek, and Apache Junction, could have some trouble winning a GOP primary, as Conservatives tend to frown upon some of his views, particularly immigration.

Others rumored to be considering a run are former state Treasurer Dean Martin, Congressman Trent Franks, Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu, and Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords was often mentioned as a possible challenger to Kyl prior to being shot "through the brain" during the January 8, Tucson shooting rampage.

Then there's the worst case scenario: former TV pitchman J.D. Hayworth, who is also amongst those rumored to be considering a run.

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