Bitter Smith to decide soon

Susan Bitter Smith will have a decision within a week to 10 days, said exploratory committee spokesman Brian Hummell.

"It's nice to know people are interested," said Hummell, while explaining that despite an invitation, Smith couldn't attend last night's event. "We can't participate in any policy discussions as an exploratory committee."

Hummell was sure to point out that while a decision is expected by mid-April, there may not be an announcement immediately.

Smith would be the fifth candidate to vie for the Republican nomination for the CD5 congressional seat. Last month, Arizona Corporation Commission Chairman Jeff Hatch-Miller dropped out of the race, leaving State Rep. Mark Anderson, Laura Knaperek, Jim Ogsbury and David Schweikert to contend to face Rep. Harry Mitchell in the general election.