Larry Grant withdraws from 1st CD race

Larry Grant today withdrew from the race for the 1st CD nomination and endorsed Walt Minnick.

Larry made the announcement in front of the Borah Post Office in downtown Boise, accompanied by Minnick and former Gov. Cecil Andrus.

Here is Larry's statement:

'I'm standing here with Cecil Andrus and Walt Minnick. We have stood shoulder to shoulder on many Democratic campaigns. We will stand together on many more, including, most importantly, this one.

'My campaign has never been about my personal ambition. I have spent the last three years on the campaign trail doing my very best to build the Idaho Democratic Party from the ground up. I'm proud of what I and my campaign team have achieved.

'There isn't ten cents worth of difference between my view of the world and Walt Minnick's. That's why we need to be working together to beat Bill Sali, not spending valuable time and resources in a contentious primary.

'For that reason, I am withdrawing from the race this morning.

'Bill Sali is one of the most ineffective and embarrasing Congressmen we have ever had. Governor Andrus and I will be leaving here today with one objective in mind, to claim this seat for a responsible and respected voice for the people of Idaho, Walt Minnick.'   

Comments

[Julie in Boise]

Ouch. OK. Onward.

[Mike Kennedy]

This is a selfless, classy and unifying decision by Larry Grant. Kudos to him, and I appreciate his efforts in running for office twice.

[theresa]

wow - blinks

that is leadership!

t

[IdahoRocks]

Nicely put, Julie.

[ajonesin]

Count me as a sad panda who understands his reasoning.

[Bubblehead]

I'm also disappointed; I know Larry would have been a great Congressman. Still, if he wants us to support Walt, I'll do it -- whatever it takes to defeat Bill Sali in November.

The thing I really liked about Larry is that he understands about how the world really works. I hope Walt has similar wisdom.

[Sisyphus]

I looked forward to Dems dominating some headlines for the next two months. Alas. I was convinced that Larry had networked pretty well and would improve on his record last time but was quite concerned on his ability to fundraise especially if Club for Growth is going to be Sali's sugar daddy again. Go Walt!

[David Erin Anthony]

I was extremely saddened by this announcement today. I fully backed Larry and recognize his strong abilities to be a great Congressman. I pray we have not heard the last from Larry. I truely believe he will make a great representative for us sometime down the road.

[Julie in Boise]

Big ups for Larry on a diary posted today at Daily Kos. Click my name.

[W. Lane Startin]

Debbie Holmes told me about this when I was in Boise today. I was stunned.

I guess this means I don't have to wait until 28 May to make an endorsement here. Go Walt!