Democrat bows out of race for Kansas governor

Tom Wiggans is out of the race for Kansas governor, not even a month after he announced his campaign.

His departure leaves the Democrats without a major candidate - again - to take on Republican U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback.

Here’s the announcement:

‘For a candidate who has recently returned to his home state and who has never run for political office, it will take more time and resources than I can assemble to mount a winning campaign. While I have remained involved in many activities in the state over the past years, I have spent much of my business career away from home and thus am unknown to many voters and donors.’

Therefore I believe it is in the best interest of the voters for me to end my exploration of running for Governor and entering public service at this time, and instead offer my ideas and experience to state leaders, institutions, and companies and focus my energies on creating new jobs and a strong economy for the future.’

The Democrat faced a tough race. Despite a long career in pharmaceuticals, Wiggans was little known in the state and faced a tough contender in Republican U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback.

Wiggans’ departure leaves the Democrats with only one candidate, Herbert West III of Paola, who recently lost a campaign for Miami County sheriff.

(Via Wichitopekington.)