The Winnowing Begins: Hallman Withdraws From GOP Race For Governor

Earlier this week, State Rep. Chad Campbell, Democratic leader in the Arizona House announced his decision to *not* seek the Democratic nomination for governor in 2014.

That decision leaves Fred Duval as the only "name" candidate currently in the race for the Democratic nod.

Thursday, a Republican candidate did something similar, with one difference.

There are still like half a bajillion Republicans in the race for their nomination.

From the Arizona Republic, written by Mary Jo Pitzl -

Hugh Hallman on Thursday jumped from the 2014 race for governor to the race for state treasurer, saying he was urged to do so by an influential group of business and civic leaders.

Hallman leaves behind a crowded GOP field vying for the state’s top spot and expands the field for treasurer.

Former Chandler City Councilman Martin Sepulveda and businessman Jeff DeWit also have filed to run for the treasurer’s post.

Still in the GOP race for their gubernatorial nomination, or strongly rumored to be getting in:

Disgraced former Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas
Former GoDaddy executive Christine Jones
State Sen. "Atomic" Al Melvin
AZ Secretary of State Ken Bennett (exploring)
AZ Treasurer Doug Ducey (exploring)
Mesa Mayor Scott Smith (rumored)

It's too early to make more than a WAG as to who will be the next GOPer to drop out of the race, but if I had to guess, I expect that the next to go will be Melvin or Thomas -

They're both trying to gain the support of the "bay at the moon" wing of the AZGOP, and while that wing isn't without its influence, it may not be a broad enough base to support two candidates.