Why state Treasurer Jeff DeWit won't run for re-election

Just 18 months into his job managing the state's finances, Arizona's treasurer has decided he will call it quits at the end of his term.

Jeff DeWit, a former stock trader turned politico, told The Arizona Republic he will not seek re-election to the office of treasurer, in part because he is fed-up with what he sees as politics-as-usual by establishment politicians at the state Capitol.

DeWit said he has enjoyed "many parts" of his treasury job, but he was turned off by the "favor-factory" mentality that can lead long-time politicians to make decision that aren't good for the state.

"I'm glad I had this opening in my life that I could come down and try to make Arizona better and I'm very proud of the job we've done," DeWit said. "I've been very open about the fact that I don't plan to seek re-election at all. I wanted to do a very good four years down here and, you know, there was always a part of me that wondered if I would stay a second term ... but at the same time, I never want to become a life-long politician. They seem to catch some sort of disease, and I never want to catch that disease."

DeWit said his opposition to Gov. Doug Ducey's plan to tap the state trust land to resolve a long-standing education-funding lawsuit has hampered his ability to work closely with the Governor's Office and some lawmakers.DeWit, chairman of presidential candidate Donald Trump's campaign in Arizona, said he has not discussed any possible future role with the Republican front-runner.

DeWit acknowledged his opposition to the proposal, enshrined in Proposition 123 which voters will decided in a May special election, "hasn't made me many friends with the people that are for that idea, but I have to stand up for what's right. I feel I'm doing that to the best of my ability.

"I just think we need to do things better and if I have to give up a political future in order to do so, then I'll do that," DeWit said.

Follow on Twitter @yvonnewingett and reach her at yvonne.wingett@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-4712.

DeWit shakes up talk about more Arizona K-12 money

Trump taps Treasurer Jeff DeWit as state campaign chair