From Sean Cockerham in Anchorage –

Andrew Halcro is reconsidering his decision to challenge Don Young in the upcoming Republican primary for U.S. House of Representatives.

“When I made the announcement in September that I planned on filing later in the fall to run against Don Young, the world was a very different place for me,” Halcro told me today. “Today I have opportunities and responsibilities that weren't present six months ago, thus I've been re-evaluating where politics now fits on my list of life priorities.”

Halcro said several things have changed and they’re all good.

His family’s car rental company, Alaska Rent A Car, won a $16 million judgment against Avis, its parent corporation, after a six and a half year court battle. That presents opportunities and responsibilities for the business, Halcro said. He also said one daughter is getting married in July and another was just accepted to study public health next semester in Denmark.

Halcro said the desire to run comes and goes. After watching the recent KTVA interview with Young Halcro said he thought. “Jesus Christ, this guy needs to go.” But there are also other Republicans who could choose to run, Halcro said.

Halcro in his Avis office, August 2008. (Bob Hallinen/ADN)

Halcro has yet to file for the race and has until the June 1 filing deadline to make his decision. The Republican primary is Aug. 24.

Meanwhile, Young is able to campaign and raise money while Halcro is not.

But Halcro said he always saw the race as a sprint. He said there’s no way he can compete with the incumbent Young’s money and influence in a marathon.

But he said he’s already plotted out how he would wage a quick campaign if he does get in the race.

“The campaign, in and of itself, it’s all planned out, people, rough sketch budgets. I’ve got that all set. The framework is set. The only thing I’ve been hesitant doing is filing, because I don’t want to ask anybody for one dime until I am sure and committed to running this race,” he said.