Republican withdrawls from lieutenant governor race

Citing economic pressures and challenges in raising money for his race for lieutenant governor, Rep. Colby Schwartz, R-Yukon, has dropped out of the race. Schwartz said he will continue to represent his district which includes Yukon and Mustang. 

 “I remain as passionate about Oklahoma and its future as I did when I entered this campaign; but I understand the political reality that an effective statewide bid for public office requires sufficient funds to communicate my message to the entire state.”

 His campaign sent out a statement this morning saying:

“Over the last 90 days it has become obvious to me that the current economic climate has hindered my ability to raise the needed financial resources to effectively fund a statewide race for Lt. Governor.  Therefore, I am removing my name from consideration for the Republican nomination for Lt. Governor of Oklahoma. During my past campaigns for the Oklahoma House of Representatives, my support has always come from everyday, hard-working Oklahomans. It is these same supporters who have felt the pinch of the economic downturn the hardest; and now have less disposable income to contribute to a political campaign. … As a fourteen-year Republican Party activist, I look forward to fully supporting the Republican nominee for Lt. Governor, as well as the other slate of Republican candidates.”