Local leaders react to Shooter’s possible Senate run

Former Representative Don Shooter said he plans on running for the State Senate on Wednesday.

Moreover, the Secretary of the State confirmed the former lawmaker filed 828 signatures in order to be in the August primary.

Shooter only needs 474 signatures in order to be on the ballot.

Many local leaders said they were surprised to hear the news about his intent to run.

“I sure was surprised,” Russ Clark, a Yuma radio host said. “I had no idea he was going to run again after being asked to leave. I was shocked but I listened and he feels he’s got the support.”

But some belonging to the Arizona House said they don’t agree with the ex-lawmaker’s decision.

“One thing that comes in mind that bothers me,” Arizona Representative Charlene Fernandez said. “Is that at the State Legislator we don’t have rules in place where someone is disciplined for the acts that he committed.”

PHOENIX (AP) — –

UPDATE (4:34 P.M.)

An ex-lawmaker who was kicked out of the Arizona House of Representatives because of a lengthy pattern of sexual misconduct has filed signatures to be on the ballot for state Senate.

Don Shooter, a Yuma Republican, said he filed more than 900 signatures to run in the state Senate primary in Legislative District 13.

According to the Secretary of State’s office, Shooter currently has 828 signatures.

He wouldn’t comment on the circumstances surrounding his expulsion. He said he wants to talk about policy issues, such as the water needs of the agriculture industry and public education.

Incumbent State Sen. Sine Kerr and Brent Backus are two other Republicans who filed signatures to run for the seat.

Democrat Michelle Harris is also running.

The deadline for filing petitions for candidacy is 5 p.m. on May 30.