Ex-Speaker Tobin won't run for Congress in 2016

Former House Speaker Andy Tobin will not be a candidate for the Republican nomination for Arizona's 1st Congressional District seat next year.

Tobin announced his decision Sunday not to pursue the seat held by Democrat Ann Kirkpatrick in 2016.

In a written statement, Tobin says he does not live in the district and that its lines aren't going to be altered following the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission's victory in a U.S. Supreme Court decision last month.

Tobin says there are several strong Republican candidates who could win.

Kirkpatrick edged out Tobin in the November 2014 election to hang onto her office. It was a rare victory for Democrats, whose party was trounced in races nationwide.

Tobin is currently director of the Arizona Department of Weights and Measures.