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Dean Martin Withdraws from Governor Race

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/knau/local-knau-912107.mp3

Phoenix, AZ – In a prepared statement, Dean Martin said a contested Republican
primary would be, in his words, a distraction. He cited both the
state's ongoing budget problems and the fight over border
security with the federal government. His withdrawal leaves three
other Republicans -- incumbent Jan Brewer and challengers Buz
Mills and Matt Jette. Martin said he believes that by pulling out
he improves his party's chances of hanging on to the governor's
office and beating back a challenge by Democrat Terry Goddard.
Martin, currently the state treasurer, would not speak to
reporters, leaving only his statement. That contained no formal
endorsement of any of his former foes. But he came close to
giving Brewer his blessing, sayind she -- quote -- is going to
need all our help to shoulder the burden of defending Arizona
from the federal government. Martin made no mention of the
problems that have beset his campaign. One is that the U.S.
Supreme Court blocked publicly funded candidates like him from
getting matching funds when privately financed foes spend more.
That leaves Martin with just $770,000, against the more than $3
million already spent by Mills. And recent polls have shown
Martin running a distant third in the race. For Arizona Public
Radio this is Howard Fischer.