Paton says he's now in race for US House seat

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State Sen. Jonathan Paton has joined the crowded Republican field looking to bounce Democratic incumbent Gabrielle Giffords from Congressional District 8 after two terms.

The will-he-or-won't-he chatter has kept political railbirds chirping for the past several weeks, with Republican strategists smelling Democratic vulnerability given the current national mood and political unrest.

Paton, who will join three other Republican contenders with military backgrounds — Jesse Kelly, Brian Miller and Andy Goss — said he likely will step down from his Senate seat after wrapping up some remaining issues.

"I see what's happening across the country and in my own home town, and it's wrong. It's as simple as that," said Paton, 38. "Every generation has always believed things were better for them than it was for their parents. For the first time, I'm hearing from people they're really starting to doubt that. We need a change in direction from where we're going."

http://www.azstarnet.com/metro/325569