Not good. The only Democrat in the this race, emergency room doctor Keith Hummel, has suspended his campaign. His website now has his message on the front page.
At this epic time in our nation’s history, the stakes are bigger than any one person, state, or party and now is the time to take back our country and bring hope to future generations. History will judge us by the decisions and choices we make this year.
The Democratic Party’s message of change brings hope for the people of the 1st District and our nation: hope that our nation will rebound from a war that should have never been waged, hope for the future of our infrastructure and educational systems, and most importantly, hope for those who so desperately need health care but cannot afford it. I am committed to these issues and will continue to work to turn this hope into reality.
Although I have always been open about my past financial difficulties, it is clear to me that they are becoming a distraction from the real issues at stake in this election. Therefore, I am announcing the suspension of my campaign for the U.S. Congress from the 1st Congressional District of Virginia. My candidacy should not harm those who share my fundamental belief in and hope for change and I will not sit back and watch as those who wish to sabotage this message use my financial history as a lever to fracture the hope for a better America.
Our focus must always be giving voice to those who have been disenfranchised and to speaking for those who have been silenced. The Democratic Party offers that focus. Although I suspend my campaign today, I look forward to doing what I can to work for the future of our nation.
Finally, to all those who have supported me over the past 12 weeks, I will be forever indebted to you for the kindness, generosity, and support you have given me.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch explains further what Hummel meant by “financial difficulties”.
Dr. Keith Hummel, a Democrat from Montross, has suspended his campaign for the 1st District congressional seat, leaving the Democratic Party potentially without a candidate to run against first-year Republican Rep. Robert J. Wittman.
Hummel said discussions about past financial difficulties have become a “distraction from the real issues at stake in this election.” Those difficulties include a bankruptcy, campaign manager Stephen Pierce said.
Hummel, an emergency room doctor, said he had made no secret of his financial problems.
“I have always said that I am an imperfect candidate,” Hummel said. “Unfortunately, our elections today revolve around narrow and simplistic assessments of viability.”
Pierce said the suspension is the first step that could lead to a withdrawal. He said the campaign would be talking to other Democrats about whether to withdraw.
Jared Leopold, a spokesman for Virginia Democrats, said, “We respect Dr. Hummel’s decision.” If Hummel chooses to withdraw, it would be up to the 1st District Democratic Committee whether to field another candidate, he said.
A spokeswoman for the State Board of Elections said parties have until Sept. 5, 60 days before the election, to fill a vacancy.
Raising Kaine has more, with a commenter alleging sabotage from within. Dunno anything about that. I haven’t seen this name bandied about as a replacement candidate, but what about Phil Forgit, the Democrat who lost to Rob Wittman in last year’s special election for this seat?
Side note: This may be a first in history. The Libertarian candidate’s campaign website is a wiki.