May begins process of getting on ballot for DA

The Secretary of State's Office approved Dan May's petition Wednesday, leaving him free to collect signatures to get on the Aug. 12 Republican primary ballot for 4th Judicial District Attorney.

But May said he has not made a final decision about running.

"Time is short, so we're keeping our options open and making sure we clear all the right hurdles," May said.

May said he will hold a news conference in the next two days to announce his decision.

If he decides to run, he'll have to scramble to collect 1,000 valid signatures from registered Republicans by May 29.

May, a chief deputy district attorney in the 18th Judicial District, would be running against incumbent John Newsome.

May, a former deputy district attorney for 21 years in the 4th Judicial District, which includes El Paso and Teller counties, lost to Newsome in the 2004 election.

He lives in Colorado Springs.

If no Democratic candidate enters the race, and it seems unlikely one will, the winner of the August primary - if May is successful in petitioning onto the ballot - will be the district attorney.

May said Tuesday that he was urged to run by people concerned about a story aired by television station KOAA last week.

A hidden-camera investigation showed Newsome drinking about 130 ounces of beer in a five-hour period at several bars, then driving a county-owned vehicle.

Newsome denied drinking to impairment before driving, but he also apologized for the appearance of impropriety and vowed to do better.

Newsome said Wednesday that May's potential candidacy is not unexpected.

"We are very familiar with Mr. May from the last campaign and the five months he served under me to obtain his El Paso County retirement," Newsome said. "I respect the right to run for political office and hope the campaign, should there be one, is based upon ideas and goals to best serve the people of this community."