Halter drops out of race for governor (Updated)

Former Lt. Gov. Bill Halter today (July 29) announced his intent to withdraw from the Democratic primary for governor after a disappointing fundraising quarter showed Halter only raising a little over $92,000, while former U.S. Rep. Mike Ross raised a record $1.97 million during the same period.

In an e-mail to supporters, Halter said he wanted to avoid a "divisive primary."

"But since we announced our gubernatorial campaign another strong candidate has entered the primary election and in order to avoid a divisive primary and to help unite the Democratic Party, I am ending my campaign for Governor," he wrote.

Halter said he would work hard to elect Ross to the governor's mansion.

"I congratulate Mike Ross on a great start to his campaign and I will be working hard to elect him and other Democratic nominees for office in the coming election."

In announcing his decision to quit the race, the former lieutenant governor did not mention what his future plans may be. But it has been speculation that Halter has been eyeing a possible run for Congress, either in the second district, where he lives with his family in North Little Rock, or possibly in the fourth district. Current-Lt. Gov. Mark Darr, a Republican who succeeded Halter in the state's number two spot, has acknowledged that he is also exploring a race for Congress in the fourth district.

Speculation about Halter's future in the race for governor has been building from the time Ross announced his campaign, with Halter largely staying out of the public spotlight and not responding to media requests for interviews.

It was a stark contrast to his entry into the race, which saw him as the lone Democratic candidate for a brief period following Attorney General Dustin's McDaniel's withdrawal from the race following his admission of an extramarital affair.

But signs of an uphill battle for the nomination started to become apparent following his first quarter fundraising report, which showed more than $1 million raised, with Halter loaning his campaign $640,000 to reach the $1 million mark.

With Halter out of the race and no other announced Democratic candidates, Ross now becomes the presumptive nominee with more than $1.7 million cash on hand going into a general election that does not begin until after the May 2014 primaries. He will challenge one of three Republican candidates – former U.S. Rep. Asa Hutchinson, businessman Curtis Coleman or State Rep. Debra Hobbs.

Ross praised Halter's work in public service following the announcement.

"Bill Halter called me this morning and told me his decision to exit the Governor's race. I thanked him for his many years of service to the state of Arkansas, and said that I hope he continues to pursue public service.  It's clear Bill loves Arkansas and cares deeply for the people of this great state."

He said Halter's support was welcome, as were his supporters.

"I am honored by his kind comments in support of my candidacy for Governor. I am proud to have his support, and I welcome all of his supporters to join our campaign focused on Arkansas's future."

Democratic Party of Arkansas Chairman Will Bond also released a statement following the announcement, thanking the former lieutenant governor and head of the Social Security Administration for his public service, both in Arkansas and in Washington.

“The Democratic Party of Arkansas commends Bill Halter for his dedication and public service on behalf of Arkansans. As a successful lieutenant governor for our state, Bill Halter helped create Arkansas's scholarship lottery that has already resulted in expanded college enrollment with over 100,000 Arkansans receiving more than $300 million in scholarships without any cost to taxpayers. Previously, he also served our nation as acting commissioner for Social Security. We are thankful for his exceptional public service and expect him to remain a significant voice for working class people, our senior citizens and Arkansas Democrats.”

HALTER STATEMENT
You're one of my most valuable supporters, so I wanted you to hear this first, and direct from me.

By a combination of work, luck, and your support, I have benefited from great opportunities.  About half of my career has been spent in the private sector working with innovative companies and the other half in public service including in the White House Budget Office, as the Chief Operating Officer of Social Security, and as Lieutenant Governor.  None of these opportunities could have happened without help from some of you and some of these opportunities could not have happened without help from almost all of you.  I am grateful to you.
 
I believe that we ought to be a society where everyone has the chance to live up to their God-given potential. We can’t guarantee that everyone will succeed, but we can guarantee that everyone will have an opportunity to succeed if they work hard and they’re responsible.
 
That's why I entered the race for Governor of Arkansas.  Our campaign plan was to advance a set of ideas to move our state forward in education while creating jobs and improving living standards — all without raising taxes and while making state government operate more efficiently.  Our first proposal, The Arkansas Promise, would provide full tuition for higher education for those who earn it and builds on the great success of the Arkansas Lottery Scholarship program.  Thanks to the help and support of Arkansans, we passed a constitutional amendment creating the scholarship lottery that to date has provided over 100,000 scholarships totaling over $300 million without raising taxes.  You have demonstrated that big improvements are possible.
 
But since we announced our gubernatorial campaign another strong candidate has entered the primary election and in order to avoid a divisive primary and to help unite the Democratic Party, I am ending my campaign for Governor.  I congratulate Mike Ross on a great start to his campaign and I will be working hard to elect him and other Democratic nominees for office in the coming election.
 
While this is a disappointing outcome for our campaign today, Shanti and I choose to focus on the many positives that you have provided us for years.  For example, because of your overwhelming vote in 2008,  thousands of students who never considered college an option are now pursuing opportunities to achieve a better future for themselves, their families, and our entire state.  Because of your compassion and energy, over 1000 volunteers came together to provide a free health clinic to Arkansans.
 
We have been very fortunate to have the dedication of extraordinarily talented and hard working teams both on our campaigns and while in office.  They tirelessly and effectively pushed for policies and ideals to advance our state.  We are profoundly  grateful to the thousands of Arkansans from every part of the state who have provided encouragement and endorsed our candidacy.  Over 2500 people from all 75 Arkansas counties have volunteered for our campaign. We will never forget all you have done on our behalf.  I ask you to remain engaged and continue to devote your efforts to improving Arkansas and America.
 
Shanti and I are proud to be raising our daughters here and we’ll continue to do all we can to build a brighter future for them and for all Arkansans.
 
Thank you,
 
Bill Halter