Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman, One Time "Sucks" Censor, Won't Seek Re-election

By James King Fri., Jun. 17 2011 at 9:24 AM

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Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman will not seek re-election.

Tempe's mayor, whom New Times persuaded to use the word "sucks" 11 times during a Tempe City Council meeting after he ruthlessly censored the word the week before, will not seek re-election.

Mayor Hugh Hallman announced at a City Council meeting last night that he is not planning to run for another term as mayor.

"Despite all that we have done and continue to do, our community, Tempe, is a captive of the leadership that now rules the direction and future of our great state of Arizona," he says.

"In the coming years, I will continue to commit myself to addressing the state's need for leadership and to assist those who demonstrate a capacity and vision to build on the greatness of this state and its people."

See video of Hallman's announcement here.

Hallman told New Times several months ago that he wasn't sure whether he wanted to continue his political career, but his announcement suggests he plans on seeking a higher, statewide office.

He's often been mentioned by Republican leaders as a potential candidate for secretary of state or state attorney general.

Hallman's term ends next spring.

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arizona, attorney general, hugh hallman, re-election, tempe

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Since he has left the door open as far as running for other offices, I see a run for either the State House or Congress. Seems that political office is the only place hiring, these days.
Strong city manager form of government is why we have made it through these tough years. may and council don't know what they are doing most of the time. leadership vacume for sure, and HH was probably tired of Tiny Town's tots on the council.
This could be good for the state. Since only GOP wins here anyway, Hallman sucks much less than most of the far right bat shit crazies. He also able to get things done and cares about the people he represents more. Definitely would be an improvement over any we have now. Go Hugh!
Hugh Hallman is a big annoy jerk. But he is also very smart jerk and a relatively fiscally responsible jerk. If he hadn't been mayor, Tempe would have been in a lot worse financial position. In hindsight, Cahill would have been a disaster (and I voted for Cahill).
If he waited until the last minute, other candidates, especially republicans, would have stayed out of the race. I think he wants to give people enough warning that some good campaigns can develop ahead of time. He certainly didn't want his political enemies to be the only ones organized for the next Mayor's race.
which part sucks......that he is leaving Tempe? or that he wants to seek higher office? I for one am damn happy he is leaving city hall........I almost jumped up and applauded when he was speaking at council about it.
Wow that really sucks
I have to wonder about this strategy. He is not going to run again for mayor, having recognized the need to change leadership within the state. I would think he could demonstrate that he's in for the good fight by staying where he is until the time comes to announce his candidacy for the desired state office in 2012. Odd. But I'm not a politician so I can't relate, I suppose.
This probably means that Hugh "Ballroom" Hallman is planning to run for Congress.