Citing the cannibalistic tendencies of Utah Republicans, Wright said he will let other Utah conservatives bloody themselves this year in an attempt to unseat three-term Democratic U.S. Rep. Jim Matheson.

"The Republicans have a notorious reputation for fighting each other rather than focusing on the ultimate goal of reclaiming the 2nd District seat," Wright said. "I fear we're heading down the same path."

In each of the past three elections, Republicans have challenged each other for the right to face Matheson. This year, two Republicans have declared their candidacy so far - Utah County businessman Joe Tucker and St. George building contractor and pastor Kris Lounsbury. State legislator LaVar Christensen has formed an exploratory committee and injected $150,000 of his own cash into the campaign, but has yet to declare his candidacy.

Among all the hopefuls, Wright generated the most speculation and press. As a moderate candidate, he was the darling of Utah Republican Party leaders.

He traveled to Washington to meet with national party leaders. And Matheson's campaign targeted Wright, questioning the legality of the talk show host continuing to use his KSL microphone while running for office. Matheson staffers were happy at the news Monday.

Republicans also targeted Wright. He was disinvited as the emcee of a Utah County Lincoln Day Dinner. And members of the Leave Us Alone Coalition demanded to know if he had ever voted for Matheson. He refused to say Monday.

None of that had anything to do with his decision to drop out of the race, Wright said. "Somebody had to do the right thing," he said. "Something has to be different this year."