Eight-term Rep. John Shadegg (R-Ariz.) will not seek re-election in 2010, he announced Thursday.

He becomes the 14th GOP House member to decide not to seek re-election this fall.

In a statement, Shadegg said, “While representing the people of Arizona in the House was one of my goals in life, it is not the only one. After 16 years it is time for me to take my life in a new direction and to pursue my commitment to fight for freedom in a different venue.”

Shadegg announced he was retiring in 2008, before being convinced by the Republican leadership to run for re-election. He went on to win the closest race of his career that year, topping attorney Bob Lord (D) 54 to 42 percent in the Republican-leaning Phoenix-based 3rd district.