Bennett says he'll decide in next few days

Former state Senate President Ken Bennett has a chance to become the instant frontrunner in the Republican race to face the eventual Democratic nominee in CD1 - if he chooses to take it.

While widespread reports that Arizona Corporation Commissioner Kris Mayes will not run for the seat are as yet unconfirmed by Mayes herself, her option not to enter will leave a void on the ticket. Sydney Hay, the former talk show host and mining industry advocate, is regarded as too conservative to challenge Democratic frontrunner Ann Kirkpatrick, and the Republican establishment has been actively courting candidates they think would have broader appeal in the district.

"I didn't think that Kris and I would both get into the race," Bennett told PolitickerAZ. "I've been talking with her, and the feeling was that it would be one or the other of us, but not both."

Bennett hadn't heard about Mayes's decision, but said it wouldn't have a significant impact on his plans.

"Everything changes the metric," said Bennett, "but it won't change my decision one way or the other."

He said he is likely to make up his mind by Friday, possibly before.