GLENWOOD SPRINGS— Ninth Judicial District Attorney Martin Beeson, a Republican, on Thursday announced the suspension of his campaign to unseat incumbent Democrat John Salazar from Colorado's 3rd Congressional District.

“Victory is within reach in 2010,” said Beeson. “By ‘victory' I do not mean a selfish, narrow, personal pursuit of power — that's what the other side is all about.”

In a prepared statement, Beeson said he is stepping aside to avoid conflicts with the candidacy of Cortez businessman, and fellow Republican, Scott Tipton.

Tipton, a Colorado state representative, entered the race on Nov. 17.

“The central idea of my campaign since its inception has been, and continues to be, victory of the kind that best serves the people of this district, and that I must do everything in my power to secure this victory,” Beeson said in his statement.

“In my view, a primary campaign between Republican candidates who believe in the same fundamental truths, and who have the very best interests of the voters of the third district as their first and only objective, will place this victory at risk,” Beeson's statement continued.

Tipton, whom Beeson called “a solid, reliable, and respected member of our community ... has my full support,” Beeson said.

“It is now time for me to focus on representing the people of the 9th Judicial District as District Attorney,” Beeson concluded.

Tipton, Cortez pottery store owner, challenged Salazar in 2006 but lost 146,488 to 86,930, according to published accounts.

Also in the race, Bob McConnell, a retired lawyer and Army officer from Steamboat Springs.