Never mind: Salt Lake County Council Chairman Cort Ashton doesn't want to be re-elected after all.

The Draper Republican withdrew his name from the race for his District 5 seat Monday, just three days after the official filing deadline passed. He had filed to run for re-election on March 7, the first possible day he could declare candidacy.

That leaves four contenders to fight for the seat vacated by Ashton, who has served on the council for four years.

"I have been an advocate for limiting the time elected officials serve in office," Ashton said in a written statement Monday. "I never intended to make a career out of this office."

The current council chairman instead endorsed Jeff Allen, a fellow Draper Republican, to fill his slot. Rounding out the ballot for the District 5 seat are Russell A. Cannon, a Republican; Nate Hendricks, a Democrat; and Deanna L. Taylor from the Desert Green Party.

Ashton said he is entering a "new season of life" — a season that doesn't include County Council responsibilities.

"I am grateful for all of those that I have served and served with," Ashton wrote. "Their support and participation has made serving on the council a treasured and invaluable experience."

Four council seats are up for grabs in the November election, and Ashton is the only incumbent not seeking another term.

Jim Bradley faces four challengers for his at-large seat. Expect a fight from former Taylorsville Mayor Janice Auger, a Republican who decided to re-enter the political arena after a short break. Also seeking Bradley's at-large council position are Jimmy Cadman, a Personal Choice party candidate; Don W. Johnstun, a Libertarian; and Chuck Tripp of the Desert Green Party.

An intra-party primary battle is in the works for District 3, which includes much of the central incorporated area of the county and parts of Murray, Taylorsville and West Jordan. David Wilde is up against Republican Douglas C. Borba and two Democrats to keep his part-time job on the council.

Just two challengers filed to run against Joe Hatch, the Democrat in District 1: Personal Choice candidate Lillie Decair and Republican Benjamin Kendrick.

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E-mail: ldethman@desnews.com