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Salmon won't challenge McCain in Senate race

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An Arizona congressman will not challenge Sen. John McCain in the 2016 Republican primary.

U.S. Rep. Matt Salmon's campaign sent a statement to the Arizona Capitol Times on Tuesday, saying the congressman enjoys working for the East Valley and will continue to serve on the House Freedom Caucus.

McCain's campaign says Salmon met with Arizona's senior senator to let him know of his choice.

Congressman David Schweikert has said McCain would lose an election against the presumptive Democratic challenger, Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick. The Scottsdale Republican has told KPNX-TV that running against McCain isn't a priority right now.

National conservative groups say McCain is a target in 2016, and have seemed reluctant to fund the main challenger in the race, Sen. Kelli Ward, a Lake Havasu City Republican legislator.