Mike Sherzan announced by e-mail this afternoon that he will not run for Congress in Iowa’s third district because of “personal health issues.” His full statement is after the jump. Sherzan says his campaign will return all contributions collected since he launched his candidacy last month.
I’m sure everyone in the Bleeding Heartland community joins me in wishing Sherzan a full recovery from his health problems. Any comments about the IA-03 race are welcome in this thread. Other potential Democratic candidates include former State Senator Staci Appel of Warren County and Dr. Andy McGuire, a health insurance company executive who ran for lieutenant governor in the 2006 Democratic primary.
Whoever takes on ten-term incumbent Tom Latham will face an uphill battle in the district. On paper, it looks like a tossup with 158,877 registered Democrats, 165,134 Republicans, and 156,973 no-party voters as of April 2013. However, Latham has routinely outperformed the top of the Republican ticket in his re-election campaigns.
April 1 press release:
Mike Sherzan Halts Candidacy for Congress of Iowa’s 3rd District
I regret to announce that I am halting my campaign for Congress of Iowa’s 3rd District. It’s been a real honor to meet with Iowans across the district over the past few months. There’s a real desire to see a problem solver representing our state in Congress. I had hoped to be that person. Unfortunately, due to personal health issues, my campaign cannot continue.
I am aware this decision will disappoint my supporters. In the coming weeks, our campaign will be returning all contributions directly to my supporters. I am very grateful for their trust in me to improve our representation in Washington. I have been honored to be a candidate for U.S. House in the 3RD District of Iowa.
Finally, I have made this decision based solely upon my individual circumstances and what I believe to be in my best interest and that of my family. Ending my candidacy is very disappointing to me personally. In doing so, I wish all the people of the 3rd District of Iowa the representation they deserve, and to that end I will support the Democratic nominee.
Michael T. Sherzan
1 Comment
Mike
Mike cares a lot about extending opportunities to those that come from disadvantaged backgrounds and it’s disappointing that he will no longer be continuing his race. I’ve had the opportunity to visit with him many times as our paths have crossed for over a decade now and I’m sure he will still find a way to contribute his abilities and passion. I wish him and his family the best and hope for a speedy recovery.
pretzelgraf Mon 1 Apr 7:06 PM