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TUCSON (NBC) - A GOP operative confirms to NBC News that former Marine and 2010 GOP candidate for Arizona's 8th district Jesse Kelly will run in the special election to replace Giffords.

Kelly lost a close race to Giffords by only about 4000 votes in 2010.

Kelly was a tea party favorite who ran an aggressive campaign. He called for deep cuts to the federal government, including eliminating the Education Department.

Gov. Brewer announced a special election in April to fill Giffords' seat, ahead of the general election which begins in June.