Another potential Republican candidate has deferred to 2008 GOP nominee Nick Jordan in the open-seat race for retiring Rep. Dennis Moore’s (D) seat.

State Sen. Jeff Colyer, who previously said he was interested in seeking the GOP nomination, said Monday that he will not run for Moore’s seat. Colyer announced he is supporting Jordan, a former state Senator who lost to Moore by a 16-point margin last year.

“I am grateful for the support and encouragement of so many friends regarding this race. I love public service and enjoy campaigning, but now is not the right time for me to be a Congressional candidate,— Colyer said. “However, the issues facing America are too important for any of us to sit on the sidelines. That’s why I’m proud to endorse Nick Jordan.—

Jordan, state Rep. Kevin Yoder, former state Rep. Patricia Lightner and businessman John Rysavy have all filed to run for the GOP nomination, although many other local Republicans have talked about running. No Democrat has yet announced they are in the race.