When I entered the race for governor, I did so with the expectation that I would be able to run an aggressive, well-funded campaign for the Democratic nomination. Despite my best efforts, and the efforts of many others, it has now become clear that this will not be the case. Therefore, I have made the decision to withdraw from the race, and will not be filing the papers necessary this week to get my name on the May 2006 Democratic Primary ballot.

I will not be a candidate for any public office in 2006, nor do I expect to be a candidate again for the foreseeable future. I will continue to contribute to the community through my work as the Director of Economic Development Education and Entrepreneurship at Baldwin-Wallace College and by continuing to work hard on behalf of the people of the 25th Senate District and the entire state for the 10-month remainder of my term in the Ohio Senate. It has been a great honor to serve you in this capacity.