Why Wes Isn't Running
WES MULLEN'S STATEMENT REGARDING WITHDRAWAL FROM CONGRESSIONAL RACE
Madison, CT - April 12, 2010
Today I am withdrawing from the race for Congress in Connecticut's second district.
Well before I officially entered this race last month, I began working to test public support for my candidacy and to build an organization capable of mounting a successful campaign against a well-funded incumbent. My exploratory committee and later my campaign committee set aggressive fundraising targets in the knowledge that, regardless of the strength of my personal beliefs or the appeal of my message, to run a winning campaign in this district requires substantial financial support.
At the close of the first financial quarter on March 31, my committee and I undertook a withering and pragmatic review of our financial situation to date and our plan going forward. The only reasonable conclusion of that review is that I will be unable to meet the fundraising benchmarks necessary to run this race and win.
I cannot continue to ask for the support of delegates, voters and donors if I am not certain of my ability to see a campaign through to victory in November. And in the 2010 election, when our party has such opportunity to restore responsible leadership to government, I refuse to sap support from other Republican candidates who are working so hard to win this and other offices.
I want to thank the many people who joined me in this effort as friends, supporters, advisers, and volunteers. Many are friends whom I have known for years; many are new friends made during the course of this campaign. I am humbled by your faith in me, and I will be forever indebted to you. Running this brief campaign has renewed my faith in our great political process and proved that young conservative candidates can impact the public discourse. For me, this has been only the first step in what I hope will be a career of public service.
Though I am disappointed that I am unable to continue in this race, I look forward to having more time in the months ahead to spend with my family, who have been so incredibly supportive while I spent difficult time away from them on the campaign trail. In particular, I hope to be able to spend more time with my wife, who has remained in New York City even as I moved home to launch and pursue this campaign.
In the next few days, I intend to reach out personally to the many people to whom I owe my thanks. I hope to take a few days to rest. I will then seek opportunities to advance the ideals that inspired me to get involved in the political process.
I wish the other Republican candidates well in the months between now and the November election, and I hope they continue their hard work to take Connecticut and our country in the new direction we need to ensure a brilliant future full of opportunity.
Yours,
Wes Mullen