On May 5, 2005, John Fife Symington III announced that he would not run for Governor of Arizona in 2006. Here’s the official announcement from KPHO-CBS 5 News:

Click here to watch the video segment.

Previously, in early February, Symington had expressed profound interest in competing against Janet Napolitano who, he said, failed to carry out promised tax reforms. He also faulted her all-day kindergarten plans as unrealistic and unaffordable.

Symington was “expected to release a statement this morning (May 5) that will say he will not rule out a future run for public office.” He said that after giving the race “tremendous thought over the last few months,” he chose to focus his attention on his consulting firm, the Symington Group.

There was a flurry of press activity after Symington’s original announcement of his intent to run.