Angle says she won't run in 'illegitimate' special election

In a surprise announcement Wednesday, Republican Sharron Angle said she will not run for Sen. Dean Heller's former seat in the U.S. House.

Angle called the special election, "an illegitimate process that disenfranchises the electorate." She added no decision by the Nevada Supreme Court would, "correct the injury to free and open elections caused by ambiguous laws and subsequent lawsuits."

"I do not have any desire to participate in a process described by others as a 'ballot royale' or a situation

where the party central committees choose their nominees because it makes a mockery of the most

important constitutional element in exercising freedom," Angle said. "Voter participation has been preempted in either case by disallowing primary elections, or in allowing a select group of people to make a decision who

otherwise would not be allowed to vote in Nevada's 2nd Congressional District."

Angle announced her candidacy in March after a losing her bid to unseat Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in 2010.

She also said she would not rule out a future run for public office.

"Meanwhile, I will remain busy working as an advocate for the voters of Nevada and this great nation," she said. "I thank all my supporters for their dedication and encouragement. I will be making additional

announcements soon detailing my plans."