The Associated Press
Recent changes to Arizona’s “resign-to-run” law mean current officeholders can now speak publicly about running for another office without having to use wiggle words, and Secretary of State Ken Bennett has taken advantage of the revisions that went into effect last week to say he will be a Republican candidate for governor next year.
Bennett’s comments set off a flurry of social media traffic Thursday when a small eastern Arizona newspaper reported them and added that Bennett would resign when he files official paperwork next year.
Spokesman Matt Roberts shot down that part of the report, saying Bennett plans to serve out his term, which ends two months after the gubernatorial election in November 2014.
The Eastern Arizona Courier reported that Bennett spoke at a Constitution Day event in Thatcher on Tuesday.
Bennett hasn’t formally announced a run, but he’s in, Roberts said.
“He said he intends to be, and will be, a candidate in next year’s gubernatorial election,” Roberts said.
Related: Bennett announced candidacy
