Democrat Ted Downing, who served two terms in the Arizona House of Representatives in District 28, wants to run for the state Senate seat now held by Sen. Paula Aboud.

Downing, who lost a Senate race in the midtown district to Aboud in 2006, says his main goal in running is to pressure fellow candidates into supporting a plan for a ballot proposition that would cut the Arizona Legislature down to one chamber and create non-partisan legislative races.

"I'm running to do away with the House and Senate and cut the legislature in half," says Downing, who says he's not even sure if Aboud will seek reelection.

"If she ever decides to run, I'll talk about her record," Downing says. "But I'm not going to get sidetracked."

Downing is confident he'll beat Aboud if she tries to hang onto her seat.

"Oh, I'll win," says Downing, who adds that he hopes that Aboud will support his proposition. "If Paula signs it, that's wonderful."

UPDATE! We've heard from Aboud, who assures us she'll be seeking reelection. She plans to file later this week, but says she's made it clear for months now that she was running this year.