Retired Arizona Congressman Jim Kolbe has withdrawn his support for State Senate President Tim Bee’s congressional campaign. While Kolbe, who is openly gay, cited “personal reasons” as the reason for his decision, media reports have speculated that the move comes following Bee’s vote in support of putting a constitutional ban on marriage equality on the Arizona ballot in November.

Bee cast the deciding vote in favor of putting the amendment on the ballot.

“For personal reasons, Mr. Kolbe is no longer associated with our campaign,” said Tom Dunn, Bee’s spokesman.

Kolbe came out of the closet in 1996. Previoiusly, he had appeared with Bee at an event in Tuscon and served as an honorary chairman of his campaign.

Bee has challenged incumbent Democrat Gabrielle Giffords for the seat Kolbe once held.

The Sierra Vista Herald/Review reports:

Bee said he hasn’t spoken to Kolbe to find out why he is withdrawing his support.

“I don’t anticipate it will cause any harm,” he said of Kolbe’s decision.

Bee couldn’t say if his recent vote in favor of a measure putting a constitutional amendment on a gay marriage ban on November’s ballot played a role in Kolbe’s decision. Kolbe is openly gay.

“It will be a shame if that was the reason (for Kolbe stopping to support him),” Bee said.